**Royal Family Retreats to Balmoral for Late-Summer Holiday**
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The British royal family has begun its traditional late-summer retreat to Balmoral Castle in Scotland, with Queen Camilla joined by her sister, daughter, and grandchildren. The family was spotted enjoying a casual shopping trip in the village of Ballater, just a short distance from the castle.
On 17 August 2026, Queen Camilla took a break from royal duties to explore the charming local shops accompanied by her sister, Annabel Elliot, her daughter Laura Lopes, 48, and granddaughter Eliza, 18. The Queen’s twin grandsons, Gus and Harry Lopes, aged 16, were also part of the outing but reportedly chose to wait in the car while the adults indulged in retail therapy.
Dressed in comfortable yet stylish attire, including jeans and sweaters, the group happily perused a bookstore and a specialty shop famous for its Scottish cashmere. Eyewitnesses remarked on their cheerful demeanour as they navigated the streets of Ballater, emerging from various shops with bags in hand.
Balmoral Castle, located in Aberdeenshire, has served as a cherished summer retreat for the royal family since Queen Victoria’s time. It was under her reign that Prince Albert purchased the estate, which spans around 7,000 acres, in 1845. Queen Elizabeth II found solace in this remote Scottish haven, often departing for the estate in late July and spending several months there, with family members visiting throughout her stay.
Since ascending the throne in 2022, King Charles has upheld his mother’s tradition of spending part of the late summer at Balmoral. Among those expected to join him are Prince William and Kate Middleton, along with their three children—Prince George, 13, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8—as well as other family members who often gather at the estate.
The Balmoral estate is one of two private properties owned by the British monarch, the other being Sandringham House in Norfolk, where the family traditionally gathers for Christmas festivities. The picturesque setting and profound family history make it an ideal location for the royals to escape the public eye and enjoy some much-needed quality time together.
For Queen Camilla, the Scottish getaway comes after an eventful summer filled with royal engagements. She participated in numerous high-profile events, including Trooping the Colour, the Royal Ascot, and Wimbledon, apart from attending the Commonwealth Games. Her presence was also deemed essential during the King’s well-publicised reunion with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, prompting royal biographer Catherine Mayer to remark that “there is no reconciliation with him without her.”
While the holiday provides a break from royals’ rigorous schedules, the family is not entirely free from official duties. On Wednesday, 19 August, Queen Camilla is set to attend the Ebor Festival at York Racecourse. She has held the position of patron there since 2024, succeeding the former Prince Andrew, which underscores her commitment to continuing royal duties even during the summer retreat.
As the week progresses, it is likely that the royal family will continue to enjoy the serene backdrop of Balmoral while engaging in select official engagements. This blend of relaxation and duty is reflective of the royal family’s ongoing commitment to their roles while also cherishing private moments together.