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King Charles' Royal Residence Announces Another Closure, Hinting at the Start of a Royal Summer Tradition
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Balmoral Castle announced it was closing for the summer, signaling that the royal family may soon be in residence
The royals have traditionally spent time at the Scottish estate during the late summer each year
Balmoral was especially important to the late Queen Elizabeth and the site of her death in September 2022Balmoral Castle is closing to the public again.
A post on the royal residence's official Instagram account on Monday, Aug. 11, said, "Balmoral Castle, including the grounds, gardens, and exhibitions, is now closed to the public. Thank you to everyone who visited the castle and estate during the 2025 summer season. We hope you enjoyed your visit and left with memories to last a lifetime."
While a severe storm prompted Balmoral to close unexpectedly earlier this month for a short duration, its closure this time around is part of their annual schedule — and hints that King Charles and the royal family will soon be embarking on their traditional summer getaway to the Scottish Highlands.
Balmoral has been the royal family's summer escape since the reign of Queen Victoria, whose husband, Prince Albert, purchased the property in 1852. The late Queen Elizabeth was known to leave for Scotland in late July and not return to London until October. She was joined by members of the royal family, including her grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry, who grew up visiting the royal residence.
King Charles, 76, has continued his mother's tradition of spending some of the late summer at Balmoral since his accession. Prince William and Kate Middleton usually visit with their three children — Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 — as well as other royals.
The estate features one of the largest remaining preserved areas of the Caledonian forest, the ancient old-growth forest that once covered much of the Highlands. King Charles has said that the area, called the Ballochbuie Forest, is one of the "most precious, and almost sacred" parts of Balmoral for him due to his passion for wildlife conservation.
The castle was especially meaningful to the late Queen as the site of many important moments in her life, from Prince Philip's proposal in 1946 and their royal honeymoon to summers with her growing family.
Her granddaughter Princess Eugenie said of Balmoral in the 2016 documentary Our Queen at Ninety, "I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands."
Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told PEOPLE that the castle was "a place of rejuvenation and reflection" for the monarch.
It was also where she spent her final days. Queen Elizabeth died at Balmoral on Sept. 8, 2022, becoming the first British monarch to die in Scotland since James V in 1542.
"In some ways it must have made her sad, but in many ways a great comfort," Smith said of the castle being the Queen's place of death.
The 50,000-acre estate in Aberdeenshire is one of two estates that the Queen — and now, King Charles — owned privately. The other is Sandringham, in Norfolk, England, where the royal family traditionally spends Christmas.
The castle and its grounds are not part of the Crown Estate, meaning the King himself can oversee and manage its various projects, which today include a gift shop and restaurant stocked by local producers and suppliers.
The King first opened Balmoral to the public in 2024, allowing the tradition to continue this year.
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"While remaining true to Balmoral's legacy as a cherished Royal home, the castle and estate have never been more welcoming. Visitors now have the chance to explore areas inside the castle, as well as immerse themselves in the estate's abundant wildlife, rich culture, and masterful craftsmanship," read a statement on the castle's website.
Read the original article on People
