King Charles Closes Beloved Royal Residence Unexpectedly and Issues a Warning: 'Please Do Not...'
On August 4, Balmoral Castle released a statement announcing the closure of the Estate, accompanied by a firm warning for visitors.
King Charles's beloved royal residence, Balmoral Estate, announced its closure to the public on August 4 until further notice. The decision came after Storm Floris wreaked havoc across Scotland, Northern England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. A statement from the Estate issued a firm warning to visitors, urging them to stay safe amid dangerous weather conditions. Balmoral is the famous summer retreat of the royal family, where generations have spent their annual holidays together in privacy and tradition.
An update from the Met Office, the U.K.'s national weather and climate service, stated that amber and yellow warnings are in effect after the storm. The amber warning said, "Storm Floris will bring a spell of unusually strong west or northwesterly winds to much of Scotland on Monday. Gusts of 50 to 70 mph are expected for many parts, and are likely to reach 80 to 90 mph on some exposed coasts, hills, and bridges." As reported by PEOPLE, the Crown also released a statement on Instagram thereafter, which read, "Balmoral will be closed to the public today, Monday 4 August, due to Storm Floris. Please do not travel to the Estate. We will be issuing refunds for tickets to visit today. Stay safe, everyone."
Balmoral’s sudden closure meant visitors lost their last chance to explore the Estate before it was due to close for the season on August 10, when the royal family is scheduled to arrive for their summer vacation. The Castle’s grounds, gardens, and exhibitions have been open to the public through ticketed entry since April 1, with the season set to end next Sunday. Meanwhile, Charles has already been in Scotland for a week. He attended a reception for Caithness communities in Thurso on July 28 and served as Chieftain at the Mey Highland Games in John O’Groats on August 2. Reports suggest that Charles and Camilla are currently staying at the Castle of Mey, located about four hours north of Balmoral.
The royal family's long-standing tradition of spending their annual summer holidays at Balmoral is a custom that reportedly began during the reign of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the mid-nineteenth century. The Scottish Estate is also where the late Queen Elizabeth passed away in September 2022. Throughout her reign, the late Queen loved visiting Balmoral every year from mid-July through early autumn, enjoying country pursuits such as picnics, walks, fishing, and barbecues with family and staff. Charles has continued his mother’s poignant tradition, gathering at Balmoral each August to enjoy time and fellowship with his family.
According to Town & Country magazine, he has, however, slightly deviated from tradition by beginning his summer at the Castle of Mey, located on Scotland’s northern coast, before heading to Balmoral. The Castle of Mey is his private residence and a relatively recent addition to the royal family’s property portfolio. Charles inherited the home from his beloved grandmother, the Queen Mother, following her death in 2002.
