Balmoral Castle announced it would shut its gates to visitors on Sunday, marking the beginning of the Royal Family’s cherished annual summer holiday in the Scottish Highlands.
The estate’s social media channels confirmed the seasonal closure on August 9, thanking the thousands who had explored the grounds during the 2026 season and noting that the Exclusively Highlands Artisan Market would return on November 6, 7 and 8.
“Balmoral Castle, including the grounds, gardens and exhibitions, is now closed to the public,” the post stated.
“Thank you to everyone who visited the Castle and Estate during the 2026 summer season.
“We hope you enjoyed your time at Balmoral and left with lasting memories of your visit.”
King Charles, 77, has already commenced his Scottish visit, currently residing at the Castle of Mey before making his way to Balmoral in the coming days.
Once he arrives, the King and Queen Camilla will serve as hosts to fellow members of the Royal Family, who traditionally gather at the Aberdeenshire residence for several weeks of relaxation away from public duties.
The precise date of His Majesty’s move to Balmoral has not been disclosed.
The royal tradition of retreating to the Highlands each summer stretches back generations, originating during Queen Victoria’s reign. Her consort, Prince Albert, acquired the castle and its surrounding 7,000 acres in 1845, establishing what would become one of the monarchy’s most treasured customs.
Situated along the River Dee in Aberdeenshire, the 50,000-acre estate has drawn successive generations of royals seeking respite from the demands of public life.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told GB News that the Castle will always be “special” for the Royal Family because it is where they can “have privacy”.
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Prince William and the Princess of Wales, both 44, are expected to join the gathering with their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8.
The couple’s bond with the estate runs deep, predating their marriage by many years. They first began visiting Balmoral together after meeting at the University of St Andrews in 2001, using the royal grounds as a refuge from press attention during their early romance.
William owns a particularly private retreat on the estate: a small cottage called Tam-Na-Ghar, bestowed upon him by his late great-grandmother, the Queen Mother, shortly before her death.
The dwelling is so secluded that its precise location remains unknown to most, and barely any photographs of its exterior have ever surfaced publicly.
The Prince and Princess of Wales frequently opt to stay at Tam-Na-Ghar rather than in the main castle, prioritising their family’s privacy.
Mr Fitzwilliams noted that William will “remember happy childhood summers” there, while Catherine “enjoys the outdoor activities the estate offers and George delights in the walking, fishing and picnics”.
The Princess of Wales is a known nature lover, and it became a particularly important part of her life as she recovered from cancer.
She previously detailed how nature had become her “sanctuary” in the wake of her diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy treatment.
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