The King and Queen will host their families for a second summer
Balmoral has been the residence of choice for senior members of the royal family over the summer months for many decades now, with the royal tradition beginning when Queen Victoria acquired the estate.
The late Queen Elizabeth II followed suit after visiting as a young Princess, a young mother and then as a monarch. The Scottish residence was also considered the late Queen’s favourite, so it was even more poignant when she passed away at Balmoral in September 2022.
King Charles and Queen Camilla played host to their families at the Scottish residence for the first time last summer and are expected to do the same in the coming weeks.
In previous years, many other royals accompanied the late Queen and her late husband Prince Philip as they took breaks over the warmer months. Located in Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire, the royal family has enjoyed fishing, long country walks, and the beautiful mountainous views it has to offer.
Along the way, many fascinating and insightful photographs have been taken on the grounds of the estate of the Queen and her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and, of course, her beloved corgis. Take a look through these photos to see some of the best photos from the Scottish residence…
An official welcome
The King was formally welcomed to his Scottish residence last Monday, as he inspected a guard of honour and stood for the national anthem. He was also greeted by a Shetland pony Corporal Cruachan IV, who is the mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Kate at church
In 2019, Prince William and Princess Kate, then the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were pictured arriving at the Sunday church service in Balmoral with the Queen in August 2019. Kate, dressed in a dark green outfit, waved to the waiting photographers as she accompanied Her Majesty in the back of the car.
Balmoral garden party
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, then the Earl and Countess of Wessex, joined the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at a garden party at Balmoral Castle in 2012, with Prince Edward and Prince Philip both donning tartan kilts for the occasion.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip relaxing
Duchess Sophie took this informal snap of the late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh relaxing together as they enjoyed the scenery at the Coyles of Muick in 2003. The previously unseen snap was released by Buckingham Palace ahead of Prince Philip’s funeral in April 2021.
New additions
In 2015, Prince William and Kate were pictured with the Queen and Prince Philip at Balmoral when Princess Charlotte was just a few months old. The photo was shared by William and Kate to pay tribute to the late Duke after his passing in April 2021.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip with their great-grandchildren
A rare photo of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh with seven of their great-grandchildren was taken at Balmoral in 2018. The monarch is holding Prince Louis, who was just a few months old, with his siblings, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte, standing on either side of their great-grandmother. Peter Phillips’ daughters Savannah and Isla are close to their great-grandfather and at the other end of the sofa are Zara and Mike Tindall’s children Lena, held by her cousin Isla, and his daughter Mia.
Prince Charles, the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret
Balmoral has always been a residence that brings the royals together to spend quality time as a family. The idyllic and picturesque gardens have provided a wonderful place in particular for the royal children. Here, a young Prince Charles dips his hands into one of the fountains as his beloved grandmother, the Queen Mother, looks on with his aunt, Princess Margaret, who was then celebrating her 21st birthday.
The Queen and Prince Philip’s growing family
The Queen and Prince Philip enjoyed spending time at Balmoral as a growing family over the years. In this picture, taken in 1960, the then family-of-five is gathered on a picnic blanket in the castle gardens with a young Prince Charles, Princess Anne, and a seven-month-old Prince Andrew.
The Queen and Philip take a trip to the farm
The Queen was a keen equestrian and rode horses even in her later years. It’s no wonder, therefore, that when she holidays on the Scottish estate, a trip to the stables is always on the itinerary. This picture shows the Queen and Prince Philip’s playful side as they visit a farm on the estate. The couple were that year (1972) celebrating their silver wedding anniversary.