The Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to head to Balmoral this summer for their annual holiday in the Scottish Highlands, just days before Prince George starts secondary school at £63,000-a-year Eton College.
Balmoral: A Family Sanctuary
For generations, royals have spent their summer holidays at Balmoral, often dubbed the 'most beautiful place on earth'. The King spends part of August and September on the 50,000-acre estate, welcoming relatives including William, Kate, and their children for a short stay away from the public spotlight.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror that the estate's dramatic landscape and quiet remoteness provide the perfect backdrop for the Wales family to recharge before a busy September full of change.
Preparing for Eton
Bond said: "The summer stay up there has always been a time primarily for William, Catherine and the rest of the family to gather in the peace of the Scottish countryside after the busyness and noise of their working lives in London and elsewhere."
She added: "During this break, I’m sure Catherine will want to make an extra fuss of George as he prepares for the big change in his life, setting off to Eton where he will become a full-time boarder in September."
A Shared Love of Balmoral
William and Kate's love of Balmoral dates back to their university days, when they would allegedly escape for secret, romantic weekends. The late Queen also adored the estate, and recent trips have evoked memories of her welcoming young relatives there each summer.
In 2023, Kate shared a family photo of the Queen surrounded by her great-grandchildren at Balmoral, taken to mark what would have been her 97th birthday. After Elizabeth II's death in 2022, Kate spoke of the children's questions about playing games at Balmoral without her.
Outdoor Life and Family Time
Bond explained that Balmoral's vastness allows the family to stay in various houses and cottages, including Birkhall, where the King and Queen spend most of their time. She described the estate as "a magical place for the children," mentioning the Wendy house at Birkhall.
The summer break is ring-fenced for William and Kate, with outdoor activities a priority. A recent video for George's 13th birthday showed him clambering over rocks, playing cricket, and enjoying boat rides. Both William and Kate have spoken about limiting screen time, and they have decided not to allow the children smartphones.
Bond added: "Wherever they are - and it will probably mostly be their home in Norfolk - the emphasis will be on family, friends, fun and outdoor activities." With the family's new home at Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park, they might stay in the London area more than usual, but Bond noted: "I’m sure the draw of beaches and swimming in the ocean will entice them away a good deal."
