With a full turnout at the 'Big House' every summer, the Cambridges have stayed at Charles' private residence Birkhall and a three-bedroom cottage on the estate, Tam-Na-Ghar, which holds very fond memories for the couple. People reports:
'William and Kate have spent some of their most romantic times at the residence, staying at a cottage called Tam-na-Ghar during their breaks from St Andrews University. The Prince also surprised his then-girlfriend in 2009, arranging a candle-lit dinner in a remote log cabin on the banks of the River Dee. A year later, Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton were guests of Prince Charles at his mansion on the estate, Birkhall. It was a sign that William and Kate's relationship was becoming even more serious – days later their engagement was announced.'
Visits to the highlands include plenty of fresh air, long walks, hearty meals and plenty of fun and games for the children. It's a great opportunity for the family to spend quality time together at the Queen and Prince Philip's beloved retreat. Previous visits have included picnics in the hills above Loch Muich.
In previous years, we've seen the Queen driving Kate and Carole Middleton around the estate. In ITV's documentary Our Queen at 90, Kate remarked: "I suppose what's really struck me is her love for the simple things in life. You would expect a lot of grandeur and a lot of fuss, but actually what really resonates with me is her love for the simple things, the lack of fuss, and I think that's a special quality to have." Below, Kate travelling with HM in 2016.
The stunning scenery...
On Sunday, we expect to see photos of the Cambridges arriving for Sunday service at Crathie Kirk. Last year, Kate chose her grey and black Catherine Walker coatdress.
Do you have any outfit predictions for this year?
How exciting! I'm looking forward to the Sunday photos. Thank you so much for letting us know, Charlotte!
ReplyDeleteI have not a specific dress in mind but would love to see Kate in purple/burgundy or dark blue.
How beautiful. Thanks for keeping your post so free of all the press storms.
ReplyDeleteIndeed! xx
DeleteThis is one of those moments which catch me now & again, when I have flash backs to Wills & Kate's days at St. Andrews & I look at them now & just beam!! :) xx
DeleteI agree- free from press storms must be much appreciated for the Royals.
DeleteI really love this type of holiday for the royals. Clean air, outdoor activities and away from media and scrutiny, perfect! I’m sure the kiddies will enjoy pony rides and endless runs in the wild, a healthy childhood to remember. Very happy there were no more private jets, just a regular flight to calm the waters.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing these types of posts and photos!! Family time is always important!! ❤️
ReplyDeleteI went to Balmor for the first time while vacationing in Scotland this past June. Now I know why the BRF loves it there. The scenery and surrounding countryside is just beautiful! I hope they have a lovely vacation!
ReplyDeleteLisa in NJ
I don't even care! lol I just love the thought of them all being up there together!! :) xx
ReplyDeleteIf Peter Phillips has arrived with his family, that means his daughter Savannah and Prince George will be together again. I love seeing those two in action. They bring out the mischievous side in each other. Let the fun begin?
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. Beautiful pictures and what a special time for multi-generational bonding and memory making. I would like to see her repeat either her blue coat from the Northern Ireland trip or her teal coat from the Anzac Day service.
ReplyDeleteI would also pick the peacock blue Catherine Walker coatdress. from Anzac Day Service with the match hat with feather accent. I have Balmoral on my list when I visit Scotland, since I have already have been to England and have seen and visited the Queen’s homes in London and Windsor. Can’t wait for Sundays’ Church visit and any other activities. 💙
DeleteThe peacock blue outfit was especially wonderful!!
DeleteI would love to see this area. It does look so gorgeous and wild and carefree. Hope they all have a great time and fun that the kids have their cousins to play with. I wondered if the report about Carole Middleton was actually someone who mistook the Nanny for Carole...
ReplyDeleteWho do you suppose does Kate's hair (for Sunday church) when at Balmoral? It seems like a mostly private vacation so I can't imagine that they travel with much help, other than nanny, of course. Anyway, I hope they enjoy their time there and that they are refreshed and ready for a busy fall schedule.
ReplyDeleteI assume she has a few go-to hairstyles that she does on her own. Like a sleek ponytail or some updos that look nice but are also easy and quick with a little practice.
DeleteI could be wrong, but tomorrow I’d expect an updo so she doesn’t have to do a full blowout like when she wears it down.
Several places to stay are mentioned in the articles. We have the Queens "big" house, Prince Charles spot, and a cottage. Are there even more homes to stay in up there that families can all stay in their own spots? I wonder if anyone actually stays with the Queen?
ReplyDeleteSome stay in the castle but the younger families quite often use the houses. There are several houses in various places on the estate and some of them are rented out sometimes (presumably not in August and September when their family come to stay.) You can look them up on the internet and they are furnished comfortably but are certainly not luxurious.
DeleteThere is also another cottage that the Queen stays in if she arrives before Balmoral is closed to tourists.
DeleteMy guess is that “guests” like the Prime Minister or friends of HM stay at the main house while most of the family have their own spots. I can definitely see why the Cambridges would prefer not to stay at the big house with 3 rambunctious kids in tow.
Thanks Annette and Rachel, I will do some poking around on the internet for photos.
DeleteI would love to go visit!! It's nice that the groups of family are staggered throughout the month so that HM and PP can have enough time to enjoy everyone.
ReplyDeleteCharolette thank you for writing this lovely post because I feel like there has been so much negativity going so its refreshing to read your post. I'm so excited to see the Cambridges tomorrow along with them being back on royal duties in September and with George and Charlotte starting school together soon. Also I'm looking forward to the Pakistan tour this fall how exciting!
ReplyDeleteWhen will Prince George and Princess Charlotte start school?
ReplyDeleteHello,
DeleteTerm begins on Thursday, 5 September.
Thank you :)
DeleteIt could be Charlotte will have a staggered start at school, shorter days and earlier finishes during the first couple of weeks. My little boy is 2 weeks younger than Charlotte so I’ve always enjoyed watching her development alongside his; they are both at the tongue sticking out stage at the moment!
Deletehmm it seems to them have family affair..
ReplyDeleteI would definitely enjoy the hiking. This should be a fun trip for the “sporty” Cambridge family. Thanks, Charlotte.
ReplyDelete