Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamhave made their way to Scotland for a royal summer tradition.
The couple — along with their childrenPrince George, 9,Princess Charlotte, 7, andPrince Louis, 4 — traveled north to visitQueen Elizabethat herBalmoral estatein Scotland, where she traditionally retreats in the late summer months.
Just asPrince Williamdid growing up, his three children will likely splash in the River Dee while exploring the outdoors at the expansive rural estate, which has served as a private retreat for the British royal family for over 150 years. It will serve as a last dose of summer before the Cambridge kids begin the semester at anew school,Lambrook Schoolin Berkshire, next month.
Balmoral Castle.Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty
William and Kate, both 40, also have a special spot in their hearts for Scotland, as it’s where they first met as college students at the University of St. Andrews (where his cousin Lady Louise willstart schoolsoon!).
Prince Williampreviouslystatedthat “the connection I feel to Scotland will forever run deep.”
“It was here in Scotland — 20 years ago this year — that I first met Catherine. Needless to say, the town where you meet your future wife holds a very special place in your heart.” He added, “George, Charlotte and Louis already know how dear Scotland is to both of us, and they are starting to build their own happy memories here too. We have no doubt they will grow up sharing our love and connection to Scotland from the Highlands to the Central Belt, from the Islands to the Borders.”
The Queen, 96, headed to Scotlandin Julyand will likelywelcome many visitors and family membersduring her time there.
This year, her arrivalhappened privatelyon the estate grounds. The plans have been changed for the Queen — who has been experiencing mobility issues causing her to cancel public appearances and duties for several months now — for “reasons of comfort,” a royal source said.
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Royal Family at Balmoral.Bettmann Archive/Getty
Although it’s a vacation, it’s not all play for the monarch while she’s away in the Scottish Highlands. She continues to work, reading her diplomatic papers in the famous “red boxes” delivered daily. She also normally continues to hold audiences and undertake some public engagements.
The U.K. prime minister also traditionally visits Balmoral each year — and the Queen may also meet a new leader, the 15th of her reign, during this trip. After Boris Johnson announced that he wasstepping down from the positionthis summer, the newly elected prime minister will likely travel to Scotland for an audience with the monarch soon after the early September election.
source: people.com
