King Charles III has officially begun his traditional summer retreat in Scotland, marking a cherished royal tradition that dates back decades. The monarch was seen smiling as he departed
Sandringham on Sunday after attending the customary morning church service.
The royal plane departed from RAF Marham and touched down in Wick, the northernmost part of mainland Britain. His Majesty is expected to spend the week at the Castle of Mey, the former residence of his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, before continuing on to Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire.
The King’s arrival in Scotland signals the start of the annual royal summer season, a particularly meaningful time for him personally. Balmoral Castle has long served as a private sanctuary for the Royal Family, offering them a rare opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Scottish Highlands away from the public eye.
In the coming weeks, members of the Royal Family are likely to join the King at Balmoral. Traditionally, the summer holiday includes countryside walks, relaxed barbecues, and the famous Ghillies Ball—an informal gathering that brings together family, close friends, and estate staff.
The King has already carried out several engagements in recent days and is expected to attend more before fully settling into the summer schedule. Photo by Stuart Yeates from Oxford, UK, Wikimedia commons.
