The coronavirus lockdown has led to all sorts of unusual living arrangements, but perhaps there none is more unconventional than that of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland.
The former couple are in isolation with their five children at the family seat of Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire, despite having divorced eight years ago.
David Manners, 60, and his ex-wife Emma, 56, came to an arrangement at the time of their separation that they would both continue to share the 15,000-acre estate, and nothing has changed now that the government lockdown is in place.
They are joined at Grade I-listed Belvoir by their three daughters, Lady Violet, 26, Lady Alice, 24 and Lady Eliza, 22 – stalwarts of the London social scene – as well as their two younger sons: Lord Hugo, 16, and Charles, Marquess of Granby, the 20-year-old heir to the family estate.
The Duke and Duchess of Rutland are in isolation with their five children at the family seat of Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire, despite having divorced eight years ago. Pictured, Emma, Duchess of Rutland looks stylish in a snap shared by one of her daughters over Easter weekend
They are joined at Grade I-listed Belvoir by their three daughters, Lady Violet (left), 26, Lady Alice, 24 and Lady Eliza (right), 22 – stalwarts of the London social scene – as well as their sons. Pictured, Violet and Eliza in snaps shared on Instagram since the lockdown began
Weeks in isolation has even been enough to lure the usually social media-shy Duke onto an Instagram feed. He has delighted followers by leading tours of parts of Belvoir Castle, pictured
David Manners, 60, and his ex-wife Emma, 56, came to an arrangement at the time of their separation that they would both continue to share the 15,000-acre estate, and nothing has changed now that the government lockdown is in place. Pictured, the castle
The family has shared social media posts revealing how they are whiling away the hours with strolls through the gardens and horse riding through the grounds.
Lady Violet enjoyed an impromptu photoshoot in the glorious spring sunshine while Lady Eliza, a talented singer, is keeping the family entertained with solo performances of the White Cliffs Of Dover and Lean On Me.
Weeks in isolation has even been enough to lure the usually social media-shy Duke onto an Instagram feed.
He has delighted followers by leading tours of parts of Belvoir Castle on the estate’s official account.
Lady Eliza, a talented singer, is keeping the family entertained with solo performances of the White Cliffs Of Dover and Lean On Me. Pictured, an Instagram snap of Eliza
Lady Eliza dons a suit as she enjoys a drink in one of Belvoir Castle’s impressive rooms
Lady Alice recently shared this photograph with the caption: ‘seeking solace in nature’
Meanwhile his entrepreneurial ex-wife the Duchess of Rutland, who is chief executive of the estate, has been photographed relaxing in the large, sun-filled rooms of Croxton Park House, the holiday cottage in the grounds of the estate that is usually rented out to the public.
The locations popping up on Instagram this week might look familiar to TV fans as Belvoir Castle has been featured in several shows, including The Crown.
Elsewhere on the estate there is the Engine Yard, a retail unit located within restored buildings dating back to 1850 within the Vale of Belvoir – once a saw mill, wagon making shop and a wheelwright’s shop.
Dogs Tia and Monty Manners were snapped taking a break on their walk around the estate
Easter lunch was a formal occasion for the Manners, complete with a beautiful tablescape
The official Belvoir Castle account shared this photo of a horse on the grounds for Easter
Following a substantial £2.5million renovation, overseen by the duchess and completed in May 2018, it’s now a bustling hub of shops and outlets selling local food and ‘the best of country living’, with events such as cookery demonstrations, flower festivals, themed pop-up dinners and ‘foodie talks’ taking place.
The Engine Yard is also home to the Balloon Bar – where, naturally, the duchess’ latest endeavour, her Belvoir gin, is served. A 70cl bottle costs £39.95.
There’s also a wellbeing spa, a garden centre, a chocolatier and an outdoor play area for children. The Duchess, it seems, has thought of everything.
Eliza shared this photo of one of the dogs on a sunny walk around the 15,000-acre estate