For the first time in over a century, Balmoral will be without a monarch in person.
King Charles has decided to deviate from his late mother’s customary tradition and will not be spending the summer at Balmoral Castle.
This departure from the norm marks a significant change for the royal family.
Balmoral Castle, located in Scotland’s north, was rumored to be the late queen’s favorite royal residence.
It held special memories for her, as she passed away there last September at the age of 96.
The absence of the king this summer adds a bittersweet touch to the estate’s history.
Instead of Balmoral Castle, King Charles and Queen Camilla have chosen to make Birkhall their primary residence until the fall.
This decision leaves Balmoral without a monarch physically residing there for the first time since the 19th century.
It is a notable shift in tradition, whether due to personal reasons or other factors.
During the Covid-19 lockdown, King Charles and Queen Camilla spent most of their time at Birkhall, their primary residence on the vast 50,000-acre Balmoral estate.
The king has expressed his fondness for the property, which he inherited after the passing of the queen mother in 2002.
He has worked diligently to transform it into a comfortable home for himself and his wife.
While Birkhall serves as their main residence, the king and queen will still visit the main castle for official engagements.
Sources close to the royal family have revealed that visits from the Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are scheduled.
Additionally, other members of the royal family are expected to rotate their visits to Balmoral Castle throughout August.
Traditionally, the king would celebrate the first anniversary of his accession to the throne with an annual trip to the Castle of May.
However, reports indicate that this year, the celebration will take place in Balmoral instead.
Grant Harold, a former royal butler, believes that King Charles will divide his time between Balmoral and his primary residence, experiencing a range of emotions during his stay.
The Castle of May holds sentimental value for the king, as it once belonged to his late mother.
He bid her farewell at Balmoral Castle, where she spent her final moments.
The location holds deep significance for both the late queen and King Charles, as it was her favorite place to unwind and spend quality time with the family.
Despite the emotional weight attached to Balmoral, King Charles is expected to put on a brave face and carry on, just like others who have experienced similar situations.
He has formed strong bonds with the personnel at Balmoral, and their support will undoubtedly be missed during this unusual summer.
As Balmoral adjusts to this break in tradition, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the royal family’s relationship with the estate.
For now, Balmoral stands as a testament to the late queen’s memory and the changing dynamics within the British royal family.