This tradition has continued with King Charles spending the summer at Balmoral in Scotland, following in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II, who did so almost every year since her childhood. According to ITV News's Royal editor, Chris Shipp, Princess Eugenie arrived in Scotland with her two-year-old son August and three-month-old baby Ernest earlier this week.
Her older sister Princess Beatrice and her family were also spotted in the area. This trip holds special significance for Prince Andrew and Sarah, the Duchess of York's daughter and her young family, as Eugenie gave birth to Ernest in May 2023. She has been enjoying her post-baby time at Ivy Cottage in Kensington Palace, which likely means she hasn't spent much extended time with the rest of the royal family.
However, this situation could change with Prince William and Princess Kate attending a church service in Balmoral, where they are believed to be staying with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
King Charles and Queen Camilla received an official welcome to Balmoral last week, and the gathering of royal family members, post-Queen's death, suggests that Princess Eugenie, Jack Brooksbank, and their family may extend their vacation in Scotland.
This extended stay also provides an opportunity for August and Ernest to spend more quality time with their grandfather, King Charles. The Balmoral trip can typically last up to a month. However, this schedule shift seems to have made it impossible for Prince Harry to visit his cousin Eugenie and meet her new baby, Ernest.
Prince Harry, who resides in Montecito with Meghan Markle and their two children, is expected to return to London for the World Child Awards in association with GSK on September 7th. There has been no official confirmation regarding whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be accompanied by their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
For Princess Eugenie, this trip to Scotland holds sentimental value, as she has fond memories of the place. In a 2016 ITV documentary titled "Our Queen at 90," she spoke about her love for the Scottish Highlands, a place that her late grandmother also cherished.
The Highlands offer breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, rivers, lochs, woodlands, and gardens, sprawling over approximately 50,000 acres, providing an ideal setting for family gatherings and enjoying the beauty of nature.
