A PLACE OF HAPPY AND SAD MOMENTS

AS THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES HEAD TO BALMORAL, EXPERTS EXPLAIN WHY IT IS SO SPECIAL

- REBECCA RUSSELL

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.”