The children of the Prince and Princess of Wales are currently enjoying their school summer holidays, and they are expected to continue a tradition alongside other members of the royal family at Balmoral.
However, this year will bring a slight change. It will be the first time that King Charles will be hosting his family at the beloved Scottish retreat, which was previously cherished by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
In the past, the Queen used to spend several weeks at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire, arriving in late July and staying until early October.
During her stay, she would welcome her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and the palace would release private photographs of the late monarch with her family, as well as childhood footage, in recent years.
However, King Charles and Queen Camilla may not take as extensive a break as the late Queen did. The official website of Balmoral has announced that the grounds, gardens, and exhibitions will be open to the public for an additional two weeks this year, until Wednesday, August 16.
According to Richard Eden of The Daily Mail, there is a possibility that Charles will spend the first week of August at the Castle of Mey in Caithness, which was the former residence of his late grandmother, the Queen Mother. Afterward, he might stay at Birkhall, his home on the Balmoral estate, until the grounds are closed to tourists.
It is also conceivable that William, Kate, and their children could choose to stay at the Castle of Mey or Birkhall with the King before proceeding to Balmoral.
In May 2021, during his address to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Prince expressed his fondness for Scotland, where he met his future wife Kate at the University of St Andrews.
William mentioned, “Scotland holds some of my happiest memories but also my saddest. I was in Balmoral when I received the news of my mother’s passing. In a state of shock, I found solace in attending the service at Crathie Kirk that very morning. In the dark days of mourning that followed, the Scottish outdoors provided me with comfort and solace. Consequently, my connection to Scotland will forever be profound.”
“Amidst this painful memory, there is one of great joy because it was here in Scotland, twenty years ago this year, that I first met Catherine. Needless to say, the place where you meet your future wife holds a special place in your heart.”
“George, Charlotte, and Louis already understand the significance of Scotland to both of us, and they are beginning to create their own happy memories here as well.”
The young members of the royal family have been captured in photographs alongside their cousins at Balmoral. Among them are Mia, Lena, and Lucas Tindall, Savannah and Isla Phillips, as well as Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex.
In the 2016 ITV documentary, “Our Queen at Ninety,” Princess Eugenie expressed the royal family’s fondness for Balmoral.
She described it as “the most beautiful place on earth.” During the documentary, she further commented, “I believe Granny is happiest there, she really, really loves the Highlands… Walks, picnics, and dogs – there are always dogs! People are constantly coming and going. In terms of family, we all gather there, making it a wonderful place for Granny and Grandpa to be, and for us to visit them.
It provides a spacious environment to breathe and enjoy ourselves.”
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