Perched on the River Dee in Aberdeenshire, Balmoral has been the royal late-summer refuge since Queen Victoria, when Prince Albert bought the castle and about 7,000 surrounding acres in 1845. The wider estate is now cited at 50,000 acres and was much loved by the late Queen Elizabeth, who traditionally stayed from late July into October. King Charles has continued the custom since his accession in 2022, and other royals, including Prince William and Kate with their children, often join for parts of the season.
Camilla arrives after a busy public season — from Trooping the Colour and Royal Ascot to Wimbledon and the Commonwealth Games — and was present at the King’s reunion with Prince Harry and Meghan. She is also due to attend the Ebor Festival at York Racecourse on Aug. 19, having become the racecourse’s patron in 2024.