The Prince William and Princess of Wales, Catherine, have had an incredibly busy year, attending numerous official engagements and public appearances as King Charles scales back his duties.
Now, the couple is looking forward to a quieter couple of weeks to enjoy some quality family time with their three young children.
During the school holidays, the Waleses typically spend their time at Norfolk Abode and Nomer Hall.
It is likely that they will also join King Charles and Queen Camilla at Balmoral in Scotland for the royal family’s annual summer retreat.
The royal family has a longstanding tradition of spending their summers in Scotland, which includes various public events, appearances, and their beloved annual trip to the Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire.
This summer break allows the royals to relax away from the spotlight, engaging in activities such as hunting, horse riding, and fishing on the vast estate.
However, the Prince and Princess of Wales, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, won’t be staying too close to the rest of the family.
Instead, they will spend their time in another accommodation on the estate.
Tam Nagar, a cottage gifted to Prince William by his late Greek grandmother, the Queen Mother, will serve as their holiday home.
There are only a few images available of their Scottish residence, as it is a private property within the 50,000-acre Balmoral estate, which consists of approximately 150 buildings.
Tam Nagar is situated near Bourkehall, the residence of King Charles and Queen Camilla on the Balmoral estate.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, they spent a significant amount of time there.
Interestingly, this year, King Charles is breaking royal tradition by choosing to stay at Bourkehall instead of Balmoral Castle, leaving the Scottish retreat without a monarch physically in residence for the first time since the 19th century.
The Balmoral estate is nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, located approximately 50 miles west of Aberdeen, between Ballaterre and Braemar.
It spans over 50,000 acres and offers breathtaking scenery, including the Dee River Valley, majestic mountains, and rolling green hills.
Although there are no public pictures available of Tam Nagar, we know that Kate and William used the property as an escape during their time at St. Andrew’s University.
This gives us a glimpse into their third home and highlights its significance to them.
With many guests expected at the castle, the Cambridges staying at the cottage will help ease the pressure and provide more space for everyone.
Balmoral estate is not only a private retreat but also a working estate, featuring grouse moors, lush green forests, farmland, and a variety of wildlife, including herds of deer, Highland cattle, and ponies.
It is also home to Balmoral Castle, where Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip often spent their holidays, and where Her Majesty peacefully passed away last September at the age of 96.
In 2015, a heartwarming photo was shared by William and Kate, showing the Prince and Princess of Wales with the Queen and Prince Philip at Balmoral.
Princess Charlotte was just a few months old at the time.
Another rare photo captured the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh with seven of their great-grandchildren at Balmoral in 2018.
The monarch held Prince Louis, while Prince George and Princess Charlotte stood on either side of their great-grandmother.
Peter Philip’s daughters, Savannah and Isla, were close to their great-grandfather, and Zara and Mike Tyndale’s children, Lena and Mia, completed the family portrait.
As the Prince William and Princess Catherine embark on their summer retreat, they will have the opportunity to create lasting memories with their children in the picturesque Scottish countryside.
Away from the demands of their royal duties, they can cherish this time together, surrounded by nature and the tranquility of their holiday home at Tam Nagar.