King Charles III will soon retreat to his beloved Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands, with the royal residence set to close its doors to the public later this month.
Balmoral has welcomed visitors since April 1 this year, offering a rare opportunity for the public to step inside parts of the estate.
But as the King prepares for his annual summer holiday, the castle is getting ready to shut down to ensure privacy for the Royal Family.
On 10 August, the doors to the castle will close for the summer holidays, with fans no longer permitted to tour the grounds.
GETTY
|
Royal Family residence in Scotland set to close as King Charles makes plans
Until then, guests still have a chance to visit the castle’s historic ballroom, which is currently hosting a special exhibition, as well as enjoy the estate’s expansive gardens.
In recent years, Balmoral has introduced new features for visitors, including guided tours and interactive experiences designed to share the estate’s royal history.
Before the gates close for the season, the estate will also host two public events.
The events, a family day and an outdoor cinema screening, will occur on Saturday, August 2.
Balmoral Castle is located among the Scottish Highlands
Balmoral has long served as a treasured private retreat for the Royal Family.
Queen Elizabeth II would traditionally spend her late summer months there, enjoying the peace and seclusion of the Aberdeenshire countryside.
The late monarch was at Balmoral when she died in September 2022, marking the end of her 70-year reign.
King Charles is expected to follow in his mother’s footsteps, using the castle as his base for the late summer period.
GETTY
|
The King is understood to see the summer trip as a ‘happy’ stay in Balmoral Castle
King Charles will stay at Balmoral with the rest of the family this summer
The estate, set across more than 50,000 acres, includes woodlands, farmland, and rivers, making it an ideal location for relaxation and outdoor pursuits.
Once the castle closes on August 10, it will not reopen to visitors until October, when guided tours of the grounds and gardens are set to resume.
The pause in public access allows the family to enjoy uninterrupted time on the estate, which has been in royal hands since the reign of Queen Victoria.
With just days left before Balmoral closes, the castle is entering its final stretch of the summer visitor season, offering one last glimpse before the royals arrive.