On Monday, the Princess of Wales, along with her husband and three children, flew to Balmoral on an economy flight. Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family's private residence in Scotland, holds a special place in their hearts. Both William and Catherine are keen to ensure that George, Charlotte, and Louis experience these cherished traditions, providing them with a sense of continuity and connection to their heritage.
The serene environment of Balmoral offers a peaceful setting to reflect on the past year, recharge, and prepare for the future. Despite the 50,000-acre estate offering plenty of room for the family of five, the Waleses will likely not stay at the main Balmoral Castle next week. Instead, they will opt for their own private hideaway on the estate. The King and Queen will remain at Birkhall and will attend dinners and events at the main castle, but it’s not where they stay themselves. The same goes for William and Catherine, but they will meet the rest of the family at the castle for special occasions.
While it might be assumed that the family would sleep in the historic Balmoral Castle, they will instead choose a quieter cottage nearby, their private home named Tam-Na-Ghar. This cozy cottage was a special gift from William's late great-grandmother, the Queen Mother. Tam-Na-Ghar is conveniently located near King Charles's Birkhall home and Balmoral Castle, arguably the most famous of all Royal-owned residences in Scotland. The Prince and Princess of Wales frequently visited the late Queen during her three-month stay at Balmoral, and in 2001, Tam-Na-Ghar was reportedly used as a romantic getaway by Prince William when he began dating Catherine Middleton.
The Prince and Princess of Wales once spent almost the entirety of the coronavirus pandemic at their second home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk, except when they returned to London for the children to attend school. Nestled between the picturesque villages of Ballater and Braemar, about 50 miles east of Aberdeen, Tam-Na-Ghar promises a serene and intimate setting for the family to unwind and enjoy their time together. There are also several holiday cottages available for lease on the estate, except for when the Royal Family is in residence, including Colt Cottages, Karach Cottage, Karim Cottage, and Rhebreck Lodge.
The family has previously been known to partake in activities such as horse riding, fishing, and hiking, while leaving time for picnics along the way. Described by Princess Eugenie as "the most beautiful place in the world," Balmoral has long been the summer destination of choice for the Windsors. The estate is free from the stresses of public life and is one of the few places on Earth where the Royal Family can truly relax.
Catherine always wants the memories of being outside together to stick with her children. "We spent a lot of time outside as children, and it's something I'm really passionate about," the Princess has said. "I think it’s so great for physical and mental well-being and laying foundations. It’s such a great environment to spend time in, building those quality relationships without the distractions of, ‘I’ve got to cook, I’ve got to do this,’ and actually, it’s so simple."
A rather extraordinary rule has been put in place for younger members of the Royal Family, according to an extremely well-placed source. This rule could prove a minefield for palace aides. While extended members of the family and guests stay in the castle itself, senior members of the Royal Family will stay in separate, more private cottages on the estate.
The summer trip to Balmoral also serves as a time for reflection and renewal. The Royal Family has faced considerable challenges in recent times, including public scrutiny of their roles and personal health concerns. This retreat is seen as an opportunity to reconnect with family members and find respite among the tranquil surroundings of the royal estate.
Before heading to Balmoral, the Prince and Princess of Wales enjoyed their time at Anmer Hall in Norfolk. This residence, gifted to them by Queen Elizabeth II as a wedding present, has served as a cherished retreat for the family. The Waleses have spent many happy summers there, relishing the privacy and tranquility that the Norfolk countryside offers. It’s a place where their children can enjoy a more laid-back and rural lifestyle, away from the public eye.
