In a heartwarming scene fit for a fairy tale, King Charles and Queen Camilla have set foot at Balmoral Castle, embarking on their first summer sojourn in Scotland since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
Following a cherished custom established by his mother, Charles is upholding the tradition of seeking refuge on Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire for a rejuvenating summer getaway.
Their anticipated three-week stay aligns with the poignant first anniversary of the Queen’s departure on September 8.
The royal rendezvous commenced with a ceremonious inspection of troops hailing from Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Adding a touch of charm, the King was introduced to the regiment’s official mascot, the endearing Shetland pony named Corporal Cruachan IV.
This ritualistic inspection holds great significance, symbolizing the official welcome extended to the monarch within the grandeur of the Aberdeenshire castle.
This time last year, this event unfolded privately within the castle grounds, a compassionate gesture to ensure the Queen’s comfort.
Tragically, a month later, the castle premises became a poignant stage for her final farewell, as she became the first monarch to find solace in Balmoral in her passing at the age of 96.
The sprawling 50,000-acre estate, nestled 50 miles to the west of Aberdeen within the embrace of the Cairngorm National Park, has for ages served as an exclusive haven for the Royal Family during the summer months.
Steeped in history, it was Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria, who procured this estate in 1852, passing down its legacy through generations.
This vast expanse encompasses sprawling grouse moors, thriving forestry, and productive farmland, while playing host to a thriving population of majestic red deer.
An intriguing facet is that the estate stands as the sovereign’s personal possession, distinct from the holdings of the Crown Estate.
The enchantment of Balmoral Castle was a canvas for Queen Elizabeth II’s cherished royal garden parties, with the added joy of attending the iconic Braemar Highland Games alongside fellow members of the Royal Family.
In a poignant twist of fate, her twilight months were spent amidst Balmoral’s embrace, with her legacy interwoven in the fabric of the estate.
Remarkably, just days before her passing, she held a significant audience with Liz Truss, the 15th Prime Minister during her remarkable 70-year reign.
A poignant procession saw the Queen’s remains journey from Balmoral to Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, with countless admirers lining the route to pay their respects.
For King Charles, Balmoral Castle holds a special place in his heart, a cherished annual retreat since his formative years. The estate’s beauty and ambiance inspired his creative spirit, giving rise to his children’s book in 1980, “The Old Man of Lochnagar.”
An adjacent treasure, the Birkhall estate, became a part of his legacy upon the passing of his grandmother, the Queen Mother, in 2002.
This very estate became a sanctuary of love as he embarked on his honeymoon with Queen Camilla in 2005. Later, during the tumultuous times of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, the couple turned to Birkhall as a protective haven after undergoing virus testing.
Intriguing history, royal legacies, and serene landscapes come together as King Charles and Queen Camilla weave their tale within the enchanting realm of Balmoral Castle.