Balmoral in the Scottish Highlands is always a magnet for the royals each August as the extended family gather for their annual staycation. But this year’s get-together will be tinged with sadness – not only is it the first year without Queen Elizabeth II hosting, but it’s where she passed away, just 11 months ago, on 8 September.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond tells OK! that although “it will be especially poignant” she believes that it’s “important for the family to be together at the Castle ahead of the first anniversary of the Queen’s death”.
The imminent arrival of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their adventurous children, fresh from their rumoured trip to the Caribbean isle of Mustique, will inject some positive energy into the gathering. But emotions will be running high – especially for William, who will surely be comforted by the presence of Kate by his side now more than ever.
William has previously said that his visits to Scotland stir up a myriad of feelings. He was at Balmoral when he was told that his mother Diana had died and recalls how “in the dark days of grief that followed I found comfort and solace in the Scottish outdoors. The connection I feel to Scotland will forever run deep.”
Royal expert Robert Jobson tells OK!, “William has happy and sad moments related to Balmoral.
But that’s about his life’s experience, not the place. The place has always been special to him. Even in his darkest moments, such as when he learned of his mother’s death, Balmoral afforded him the opportunity to grieve privately, to go off on walks with his grandfather to try to come to terms with what had happened.”
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 07, 2023-Ausgabe von OK! UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 07, 2023-Ausgabe von OK! UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
A CITY OF TWO HALVES
There's a holiday for every budget to be found in Dubai, as OK!'s Faith Richardson discovered
'Christmas is a double whammy'
Chef James Martin on the pressures of dividing his time between his restaurants and his family over the festivities
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for people-pleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'
Actor Paul Mescal on entering the Gladiator II arena, building a blockbuster body for his role as fighter Lucius Verus, and heading up an A-list cast of Hollywood's finest stars
THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS
A line-up of the film world's best-known faces attended this year's Governors Awards to celebrate lifetime achievements
'I think we arrived right on time'
The stars of the long-awaited film Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, tell us why its themes are so relevant right now and why the musical is so dear to their hearts
'No one knows who I am'
Having first found fame on social media, GK Barry has become the breakout star of this year's I'm A Celebrity
'I still pinch myself about how we met'
Now legally married, MAFS Uk’s Adam and Tayah Aveling are looking forward to Christmas with their daughter and welcoming baby number two in 2025
THE ROYAL WEEK
It was a sad week for Queen Camilla, but a good week for the royal family’s charities with visits to hospitals and homeless centres
WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
After a challenging year for the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to give their children an unforgettable time filled with fun and festivities