- This is how they spend their holidays in Scotland
The British Royal Family traditionally spends their summer holiday at their Scottish estate, Balmoral in Aberdeenshire. This tradition has continued even after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. (1926-2022), who loved the Highlands and passed away there. This year, the secluded retreat is likely to be particularly important, given the challenging and stressful months behind the Royals. King Charles III. (75) and his daughter-in-law Princess Kate (42) have both received cancer diagnoses and are still undergoing treatment. The relaxation and tranquility that the sprawling estate offers should come as a welcome relief.
Balmoral is closed to the public from August 12th
Prince Albert (1819-1861) bought Balmoral in 1852 for his wife Queen Victoria (1819-1901). Since then, it has been in the private ownership of the Royals, like Sandringham in Norfolk. The more than 70-room castle in the neo-Gothic style is a replica of the original estate, which Prince Albert deemed too small. For the first time this year, tours of the grand building were offered, which were possible until August 4th. Until August 11th, visitors could also view the gardens, grounds, and ballroom.
After that, various members of the Royal Family are likely to arrive gradually. Balmoral, once described by Princess Eugenie (34) as "the most beautiful place in the world," holds a special place in the hearts of the Royals. The estate was often referred to as the late Queen's favorite residence. She had no official duties there, except for participating in the Braemar Gathering festival on the first weekend of September, where Elizabeth II. was often an enthusiastic spectator of log throwing, tug of war, and sack races. There is also a traditional meeting with the Prime Minister, and the Ghillies Ball is held in the ballroom, where neighbors and staff participate in Scottish dancing.
Enjoying nature
Otherwise, the Royals can spend their leisure time on Balmoral as they please. There's plenty to do - fishing, hunting, picnicking, and barbecuing, for example, are undisturbed on the sprawling estate. The Queen often went for walks with her dogs, rode one of her horses, or drove around in a Land Rover during her usually twelve-week holiday. On Balmoral, she could even do the dishes herself, away from court protocol. It is said that former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013) once gave the Queen a pair of rubber gloves after seeing her washing up with bare hands on Balmoral.
King Charles III is also very connected to nature and loves salmon fishing in Scotland. Unlike his mother, he prefers the smaller Birkhall for his stay, which is only a few minutes' drive away and has been his country residence since 2002.
Prince William (42), his wife, and their three children also regularly spend their summers on Balmoral and are expected to travel there this year despite Kate's illness, according to "The Mail on Sunday." The eldest son of King Charles gushed in 2021 that Scotland is "the source of some of my happiest memories, but also my saddest." Besides beautiful experiences with his grandparents, he also received the worst news of his life there: "I was in Balmoral when I was told that my mother had died. And in the dark days that followed, I found solace in the Scottish nature." Therefore, he is deeply connected to Scotland forever.
After the tours of Balmoral ended on August 4th, King Charles III is expected to spend some time at the estate, given his love for salmon fishing in Scotland. Princess Eugenie, who described Balmoral as "the most beautiful place in the world," will likely return to the retreat this year, just like her cousin Prince William, who finds solace in Scotland's nature, having received difficult news there in the past.
