The Prince and Princess of Wales recently returned to Balmoral Castle, marking their first visit to the Scottish estate since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Prince William and Catherine were seen making their way to church on Sunday, August 27th. Prince William was dressed in a smart navy suit with a blue tie, while Catherine chose a classic tweed jacket and a brown fedora.
While their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, were not in attendance at the church service, it’s understood they joined their parents for the remainder of their summer stay in Scotland. The royal family’s reunion at Balmoral also included King Charles and Queen Camilla, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, Princess Eugenie with her son August, and Princess Beatrice with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Balmoral’s Deep-Rooted Royal History
Balmoral Castle has held a significant place in the royal family’s affections since 1852, when Prince Albert acquired the estate for his wife, Queen Victoria. Today, the sprawling 50,000-acre property boasts a new main residence and comprises over 150 buildings. Over the decades, its picturesque grounds have been the backdrop for numerous pivotal royal moments, including the honeymoon of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
It is widely known that Queen Elizabeth II held a profound fondness for her time at the Scottish holiday home. She habitually spent the latter part of her summers at the estate, surrounded by her loved ones. Tragically, it was at Balmoral that she passed away on September 8th, 2022. Freed from the demands of public duties, the Queen cherished the opportunities to connect with her family in this serene setting.
Her granddaughter, Princess Eugenie, reflected on this sentiment in the documentary Our Queen At Ninety, stating, “I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands.”
Years after Queen Elizabeth’s death, King Charles shared his perspective on the estate’s significance to his late mother in an official guidebook. “My late mother particularly treasured her time at Balmoral,” King Charles wrote. “It was here, in these most beloved of surroundings, that she chose to spend her final days. 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 passion for horses and driving meant she often explored the estate on horseback or by car. Meanwhile, her late husband, Prince Philip, was known to take charge of the barbecue, preparing hearty feasts for the family.
Prince Harry, in his memoir Spare, offered a vivid description of his grandfather at the grill: “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.”
The Duke of Sussex also touched upon his grandmother’s culinary prowess, noting her habit of preparing large batches of salad dressing for guests. He recounted, “She lit the candles down the long table and we all sat on wooden chairs with creaky straw seats. 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.”
Balmoral undeniably holds a special place in the hearts of the royal family, evoking a tapestry of both joyful and poignant memories. However, as these images of the royals enjoying their summers in the stunning Scottish Highlands suggest, the cherished moments undoubtedly outshine the difficult ones.
Let’s take a look back at some of the most memorable occasions the royal family has shared at Balmoral, spanning from the 1950s to the present day.
A Glimpse Through the Years: Royal Moments at Balmoral
2023: King Charles and Queen Camilla were seen attending The Braemar Gathering.
2022: Queen Elizabeth II welcomed former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss at Balmoral, a mere two days before her passing.
2019: Princess Catherine accompanied the Queen to Crathie Kirk Church.
2017: Her Majesty, Prince Philip, King Charles, and Queen Camilla shared smiles at the Braemar Gathering.
2007: King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the Scottish estate in coordinating tartan outfits.
1997: King Charles returned to Balmoral with his sons, accompanied by two adorable puppies.
1987: King Charles was pictured playing with his sons, Princes William and Harry, by the banks of the River Dee.
1981: King Charles and Princess Diana were all smiles during their honeymoon at the estate.
1979: The Queen and Prince Philip posed with three of their sons on the Balmoral grounds.
1960: The Queen, Prince Philip, King Charles, Princess Anne, and Prince Andrew enjoyed a family picnic.
1952: Her Majesty, in a moment that broke with protocol, assisted her daughter Princess Anne through a window.
1952: King Charles took a turn behind the wheel, with his mother looking on proudly.
1952: Queen Elizabeth II was captured with one of her beloved corgis.
1951: Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, King Charles, and Princess Anne posed for a family portrait at Balmoral.
