King Charles has officially commenced his late summer retreat at Balmoral Castle, welcoming the change of scenery amid the tranquil Scottish Highlands. His arrival on 18th August 2026 marks the beginning of a cherished royal tradition, which has been integral to the British royal family’s summer agenda for generations.
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The King, now 77, was greeted in a ceremonial welcome by a contingent of locals as well as the Royal Regiment of Scotland’s Balaklava Company from the 5th Battalion, and their lively Shetland pony mascot, Corporal Cruachan IV. Notably, during the inspection of the battalion, King Charles took a moment to engage with Corporal Cruachan, who, despite a reputation for mischief, appeared to behave well on this occasion.
This was not always the case, particularly with the late Queen Elizabeth, who had her share of humorous moments with the proud pony. In 2017, during a visit to Stirling Castle, Corporal Cruachan attempted to nibble on flowers the Queen was holding. The following year, he caused quite a stir at Balmoral by relieving himself amidst the ceremonial welcome, prompting the Queen to cover her nose in amusement. Recognising his cheeky personality, she once remarked, “Here we are again,” upon his arrival.
Balmoral Castle has served as a royal retreat since the time of Queen Victoria, who, alongside her husband Prince Albert, purchased the estate and its vast grounds in 1845. The idyllic location spans approximately 7,000 acres and has provided a private sanctuary for royal family members to engage in leisure activities such as fishing, hiking, and unwinding away from the public eye.
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith described Balmoral as “a place of rejuvenation and reflection,” emphasising the importance of the estate to the royals. The property, nestled alongside the River Dee in Aberdeenshire, holds a particular significance for King Charles, who often comments on the area’s natural beauty and tranquillity.
For the late Queen Elizabeth, Balmoral was a sanctuary; she would frequently escape to Scotland in late July and remain there until October, often joined by family members. Her granddaughter, Princess Eugenie, remarked in a documentary that her grandmother found immense happiness in the Highlands, which reflects the personal attachment many in the family have to the estate.
The Queen spent her final days at Balmoral, passing away there on 8th September 2022. Notably, Bedell Smith suggested this return to the beloved locale provided both comfort and sorrow in her last moments. Today, Balmoral continues to be a refuge for future generations of the royal family. Alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, along with their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—also frequent the estate.
Prince William has fond memories of Balmoral, describing it as integral to his upbringing and highlighting the strong familial connections that the estate holds for him. He once expressed how enjoyable his time there was during his childhood, further solidifying the estate’s role as a backdrop for royal traditions and bonding.
The Balmoral estate is not only rich in royal history but is also a significant ecological site. It houses one of the last preserved areas of the ancient Caledonian forest, with King Charles himself labelling the Ballochbuie Forest as one of the estate’s “most precious, and almost sacred” parts due to his passion for wildlife conservation.
Covering approximately 50,000 acres, Balmoral is one of two private estates owned by the royal family, the other being Sandringham in Norfolk, where they traditionally gather for Christmas. The enduring legacy of Balmoral reflects the importance of familial ties, nature, and the timeless connection the royal family shares with the picturesque Scottish landscape. As King Charles settles into his summer retreat, the traditions of the past remain alive, ensuring that Balmoral continues to be a beloved getaway for the monarchy.