Balmoral Castle, the cherished royal residence nestled in the Scottish Highlands, has once again closed its doors to the public for the year. A post shared on the official Balmoral Instagram account on Monday, August 11, confirmed that the castle, along with its grounds, gardens, and exhibitions, is no longer open to visitors for the 2025 summer season.
The message expressed gratitude to all who visited during the summer, hoping that their time at the estate left them with lasting memories. While the estate had temporarily closed earlier in the month due to a severe storm, this current closure is part of the annual schedule, signaling that King Charles and the royal family will soon embark on their traditional summer retreat to the Scottish Highlands.
Balmoral Castle has been the royal family’s summer escape since the reign of Queen Victoria. Her husband, Prince Albert, purchased the estate in 1852, and since then, it has remained a place of solace and reflection for the royal family. The late Queen Elizabeth was particularly fond of Balmoral, returning there every year from late July until October. For decades, members of the royal family, including her grandsons, Prince William and Prince Harry, have visited the estate, where they spent many summers immersed in nature and family life.
King Charles, 76, has continued the tradition of spending part of his late summer at Balmoral, just as his mother did. Prince William and Kate Middleton, along with their three children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7—also frequently visit, continuing a legacy of family gatherings in the scenic Scottish Highlands. The estate itself is home to one of the largest remaining sections of the Caledonian forest, a historic old-growth forest that once covered much of the Highlands. King Charles has spoken of the Ballochbuie Forest as one of the most sacred parts of Balmoral, reflecting his deep passion for wildlife conservation.
For the late Queen, Balmoral held immense sentimental value. Not only was it the site of many family milestones, including her honeymoon with Prince Philip in 1947 and numerous summers spent with her children, but it was also where she spent her final days. Queen Elizabeth passed away at Balmoral on September 8, 2022, marking the first time a British monarch had died in Scotland since James V in 1542. Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith described Balmoral as “a place of rejuvenation and reflection” for the Queen, where she found solace and peace. Princess Eugenie, in the 2016 documentary Our Queen at Ninety, shared that Balmoral was “the place where Granny was the most happy,” revealing the personal connection the Queen had to the estate and the Highlands.
Balmoral, a sprawling 50,000-acre estate in Aberdeenshire, is one of the two privately owned estates by the royal family, with the other being Sandringham in Norfolk, England, where the family traditionally spends Christmas. Unlike other royal properties, the castle and grounds are not part of the Crown Estate, giving King Charles direct oversight over its operations and projects. Today, the estate includes a gift shop and a restaurant that highlights local producers and suppliers, adding a modern touch to its royal heritage.
In 2024, King Charles opened Balmoral to the public, a tradition he has continued this year. Visitors to the estate are given the unique opportunity to explore parts of the castle and immerse themselves in the surrounding wildlife, culture, and craftsmanship, all while remaining mindful of the property’s deep royal legacy. The castle’s open-door policy allows the public to experience a piece of royal history and gain insight into the natural beauty that has captivated the royal family for generations.
As Balmoral closes its gates for the year, the royal family’s retreat to the Highlands is a reminder of the personal significance this place holds for them. It remains a sanctuary of reflection, family bonding, and nature conservation—a cornerstone of the royal family’s legacy that continues to draw both the public and royal family alike.
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