A Historic Reunion at Balmoral Castle
At the end of August 2023, for the first time since Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, The Prince and Princess of Wales made the journey to Balmoral Castle, reuniting with other members of the royal family. This visit marked a significant moment for the royal family, as they gathered in the iconic Scottish estate that has been a cherished retreat for generations.
Prince William and Princess Catherine were seen driving themselves to church on Sunday, 27th August. William was dressed in a navy suit with a slick blue tie, while Catherine chose a tweed jacket and a brown fedora. Although Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis did not attend the church service, it is believed they joined their parents in Scotland for the rest of the summer.
Other members of the royal family spotted at Balmoral included King Charles and Queen Camilla, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Eugenie and her son August, and Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
A Legacy of Royal Memories
Balmoral Castle has been part of the royal family since 1852 when Prince Albert purchased it for his wife, Queen Victoria. Today, the 50,000-acre estate features 150 buildings, and its grounds have witnessed many pivotal moments in royal history. One such event was Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s controversial honeymoon.
Queen Elizabeth II had a deep affection for Balmoral, often spending the end of her summers there with her loved ones. She was even at the castle when she passed away on September 8, 2022. Free from public duties, the Queen would enjoy quality time with her family, relishing the peaceful surroundings.
Princess Eugenie once shared her thoughts on the significance of Balmoral in a documentary, stating, “I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands.”
Years after Queen Elizabeth’s passing, King Charles revealed how much Balmoral meant to his late mother in a new official guidebook about the estate. He wrote, “My late mother particularly treasured her time at Balmoral. It was here, in these most beloved of surroundings, that she chose to spend her final days.” He also mentioned, “Since my earliest childhood, it has held, and continues to hold, a uniquely special place in the hearts of my family and myself.”
The late monarch’s love for horses and driving allowed her to explore the grounds on horseback or behind the wheel. Meanwhile, her late husband, Prince Philip, would often man the grill for family feasts.
Prince Harry described an unforgettable scene in his memoir Spare, where he wrote, “He stood amid a thick cloud of smoke, tears streaming from his eyes. He wore a flat cap, which he took off now and then to mop his brow or smack a fly. As the fillets of venison sizzled he turned them with a huge pair of tongs, then put on a loop of Cumberland sausages. Normally I’d beg him to make a pot of his specialty, spaghetti Bolognese.”
Harry also spoke about the Queen’s skills in the kitchen, revealing she would often make large batches of salad dressing for her guests. “She lit the candles down the long table and we all sat on wooden chairs with creaky straw seats,” he wrote. “Often we had a guest for these dinners, some famous or eminent personage. Many times I’d discussed the temperature of the meat or the coolness of the evening with a prime minister or bishop.”
A Special Place in the Royal Family’s Heart
Balmoral is clearly a special place among the royal family, holding a blend of happy and harrowing memories. However, as shown by the photos of the royals summering in the gorgeous Scottish highlands, it’s easy to assume that the good memories outweigh the bad.
Here are some of the most special moments of the royal family’s time at Balmoral, from the 1950s to present day:
01
King Charles and Queen Camilla attend The Braemar Gathering.
2023
02
Queen Elizabeth II greets former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss at Balmoral, just two days before her death.
2022
03
Princess Catherine accompanies the Queen to Crathie Kirk Church.
2019
04
Her Majesty, Prince Philip, King Charles, and Queen Camilla are all smiles at the Braemar Gathering.
2017
05
King Charles and Queen Camilla visit the Scottish home in complementary tartan outfits.
2007
06
King Charles returns to Balmoral with his sons and two adorable pups.
1997
07
King Charles plays with his sons, Princes William and Harry, on the banks of the River Dee.
1987
08
King Charles and Princess Diana beam while on their honeymoon.
1981
09
The Queen and Prince Philip pose with three of their sons on the grounds.
1979
10
The Queen, Prince Philip, King Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew enjoy a family picnic.
1960
11
Her Majesty breaks protocol as she helps her daughter Princess Anne through a window.
1952
12
King Charles has a turn behind the wheel while his mother watches on proudly.
1952
13
Queen Elizabeth II with one of her beloved corgis.
1952
14
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, King Charles, and Princess Anne pose for a family portrait at Balmoral.
1951
