Queen Camilla Enjoys Multi-Generational Family Outing in Scotland as Balmoral Summer Stay Begins
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Ahead of the official ceremonial start of the royal family’s annual summer retreat at Balmoral Castle, Queen Camilla stepped out for a casual afternoon of retail therapy in the nearby Scottish village of Ballater.
Joined by multiple generations of her family, the 79-year-old Queen explored local boutiques accompanied by her sister, Annabel Elliot, her daughter, Laura Lopes (48), and her granddaughter, Eliza (18). Camilla’s 16-year-old twin grandsons, Gus and Harry Lopes, also joined the outing before opting to wait in the car.
A Relaxed Scottish Outing
Dressed down for the Highland weather in casual jeans, knitwear, and an olive-green coat, the Queen and her family browsed local establishments—including a bookstore and a specialty Scottish cashmere shop—carrying shopping bags and chatting with shopkeepers.
The low-key family outing took place on Monday, August 17, 2026, just one day before King Charles III attended the official welcome ceremony at the gates of Balmoral Castle, where he inspected the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Continuing a Royal Highland Tradition
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Balmoral Castle has long served as the private summer sanctuary for the British monarchy, dating back to 1845 when Prince Albert purchased the original estate for Queen Victoria. The 50,000-acre property in Aberdeenshire—one of two privately owned royal estates alongside Sandringham in Norfolk—was famously a beloved late-summer haven for Queen Elizabeth II.
King Charles has upheld that tradition since ascending the throne in 2022. The King and Queen are expected to host various members of the royal family in the coming weeks, including Prince William, Princess Kate (both 44), and their three children:
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Prince George (13)
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Princess Charlotte (11)
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Prince Louis (8)
A Busy Summer of Royal Duties
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The Highland retreat offers a brief pause following a demanding summer schedule for Queen Camilla, which included Trooping the Colour, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon, and the Commonwealth Games. She also stood alongside King Charles during his long-anticipated family reunion with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. As royal author Catherine Mayer noted to PEOPLE, Camilla’s inclusion was essential, observing: “There is no reconciliation with him without her.”
While the Scottish Highlands provide a break from standard palace routines, official duties continue. Following the start of the summer stay, Queen Camilla is scheduled to travel to the York Racecourse on Wednesday, August 19, to attend the Ebor Festival in her capacity as patron—a role she assumed in 2024.
