Balmoral is more than just a royal retreat; it’s a symbol of cherished memories and deep familial ties. This visit, prompted by an unexpected summons from King Charles, has stirred a wave of nostalgia and gratitude in Catherine. She has expressed heartfelt appreciation for the late Queen's influence and generosity.
As Catherine arrived at the historic estate, she was immediately reminded of the poignant memories from her early days as a royal. Each summer, Queen Elizabeth II made her annual pilgrimage north to Scotland for a multi-week holiday at Balmoral Castle. Known for her discreet yet powerful presence, the late monarch made Balmoral feel like a sanctuary—a place where the family could escape the public eye.
In a touching tribute, Catherine reflected on the privileges she enjoyed during her initial visits to Balmoral. She recalled how Queen Elizabeth took the time to share stories, offer guidance, and impart the wisdom she had gathered from a lifetime of service to the crown. The Queen was known to be a generous and thoughtful host, especially towards her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. With 11 great-grandchildren and a 12th on the way, she always made sure to leave something special for each child during their visits, whether at Buckingham Palace, Windsor, or Sandringham.
Catherine Middleton explained in an interview with ITV that the Queen’s tradition of leaving little gifts in their rooms was a clear expression of her love for her family. The Princess also shared that the Queen was particularly thrilled when she learned that Charlotte was a girl, and she was always keenly interested in Charlotte’s progress.
The Queen’s fondness for Charlotte was evident from early on. In January 2018, when Charlotte was just 2 years old and her older brother George was 4, the Queen remarked on Charlotte’s protective nature towards George during a public event.
As Catherine’s return to Balmoral was tinged with sadness, she remembered how the late Queen's presence once filled the halls with a sense of common stability. Catherine's relationship with Balmoral began long before she became the Princess of Wales. Her first visit to the estate was during the early stages of her relationship with Prince William when she was still known as Kate Middleton. The late Queen’s warm gesture towards Catherine highlighted their developing bond and underscored her intent to make Catherine feel truly at home within the royal family.
Meanwhile, Prince William has taken a break from the family’s summer retreat to share a special message for a cause close to his heart. On Friday, the Prince of Wales took to social media to reshare a post from the London Air Ambulance, celebrating their success following a £15 million fundraising appeal.
