King Charles enjoys Highland welcome as Balmoral prepares for its royal summer closure.
King Charles was already in Scotland on Friday, where he was seen smiling warmly as he met members of the community in Dingwall.
Dressed in a traditional tartan kilt, Charles appeared in high spirits during the Highland visit, just days before Balmoral begins its seasonal closure.
From Monday 10 August, Balmoral will temporarily close to visitors for the duration of the royal family’s stay.
Until then, guests can explore parts of the expansive grounds and gardens, visit the Mews Gift Shop and Restaurant, and tour the Ballroom Exhibition, which forms part of the general admission experience.
The estate is expected to welcome visitors again in early October, when the royal summer retreat comes to an end.
Prince Albert purchased the estate for Queen Victoria in 1852 after the couple fell in love with the Scottish Highlands, and it has remained a treasured private retreat for generations of royals.
The property also became inseparably linked with the final chapter of Queen Elizabeth II’s life.
The late monarch spent her final days at Balmoral before her death on 8 September 2022.
Former royal chef Darren McGrady recalled how everyone would change out of their casual daytime clothes and dress formally for the evening.
Fine china was laid out for dinner and a bagpiper circling the table after the meal, a scene he likened to something from Downton Abbey.
