Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis Spend Time at Balmoral — Just Like Prince William Did

Mar. 15, 2025

Prince George,Princess CharlotteandPrince Louisare soaking up the last days of summer, but unlike other kids, their playground is Balmoral Castle.

Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamwerespotted driving to a church serviceat Crathie Church on Aug. 25, confirming that the family were in Scotland for the royal family’s annual gathering at Balmoral Castle.King Charleshas continuedQueen Elizabeth’s tradition of spending the end of summer at the royal residence in the Scottish Highlands.

Balmoral has been a beloved vacation spot for the British royal family sinceQueen Victoria’s husband,Prince Albert, bought the estate in 1852. Queen Elizabeth roamed the grounds as a child, as did Charles, who brought his sons Prince William andPrince Harrythere when they were growing up.

“The princes were inseparable, solid for one another,” royal photographer Arthur Edwards previouslytold PEOPLEof the bond he saw between Charles and his sons.

From left: Prince William, Prince Harry and then-Prince Charles at Balmoral in 1997.Tim Graham Photo Library via Gett

Tim Graham Photo Library via Gett

Commenting on iconic shots he took of the trio exploring the River Dee with their dogs in August 1997 (just weeks before the tragic death ofPrincess Dianain a Paris car crash), the author ofBehind the Crown: My Life Photographing the Royal Familysaid, “They looked so relaxed, having fun together on that summer holiday in Balmoral when I took these photos.”

Over the years, family and friends convened at the castle and made the most of the expansive grounds with outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, horseback riding and picnics, activities that King Charles will likely continue.

Then-Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry at Balmoral in 1997.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

On Aug. 19, the 75-year-old monarchparticipated in a ceremonial welcomeat the Balmoral Castle gates,signaling the official startof his vacation.

The holiday will be bittersweet as the royal family’s second summer stay at Balmoral without Queen Elizabeth, who died there in September 2022 at age 96. The vast castle proved to be a favorite escape for the Queen in her later years, where Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, paid her plenty of visits.

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The intergenerational bond around Balmoral was also evident in a photocourtiers circulatedfollowing Prince Philip’s death in April 2021. The picture, taken in the summer of 2018, showed Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip sitting in another cozy room of the castle with George, Charlotte, Louis, Mia, Lena, Savannah and Isla.

Both born that year, Prince Louis and Lena were both just a few months old at the time. Queen Elizabeth held Prince William’s youngest son while Isla cuddled her cousin Lena.

source: people.com