In a surprising turn of events, King Charles and Queen Camilla broke with royal tradition earlier this month by heading to Balmoral after Christmas instead of staying at the family’s Sandringham residence, as monarchs typically do. This unexpected change in plans left many wondering about the reasons behind this decision. However, it seems that the King has now returned to Norfolk, hinting that his upcoming prostate surgery is more likely to take place in England rather than Scotland.
While King Charles heads back to England, his Scottish estate, Balmoral, is preparing to welcome visitors over the next few days. An official Instagram account for Balmoral recently shared a stunning photo of the castle grounds lightly dusted by snow. The caption accompanying the photo encourages individuals to escape the noise and enjoy a visit to Balmoral, offering the opportunity to breathe in the fresh air, soak in the scenery, and keep warm with a hot drink from the mews café.
Potential visitors to Balmoral during this period received some disappointing news as the caption continued. This period does not require an admission fee or the need to book tickets. However, it also states that there will be no audio tours, access to the ballroom, or availability of mobility scooters. Despite these limitations, the castle grounds, café, and gift shop will remain open from 10am to 4pm. Paid parking is available in the car parks next to the A93 at Crathie. The website provides comprehensive details of Balmoral’s opening schedule for January and February.
During the previous weekend, the royal couple kept a low profile. However, earlier, they were photographed heading to church at Crathie Kirk, which is close to Balmoral. The chilly weather required the monarch and his wife to wrap up warmly for the occasion, as there was a light smattering of snow on the ground. Despite the cold, the pair appeared to be in good spirits, chatting and smiling in the photos. It is worth noting that Queen Elizabeth II has always stayed at Sandringham from just before Christmas until early February, commemorating her father’s death anniversary.
Initially, it was believed that the royal couple would spend several weeks in their Birkhall home on the Balmoral estate, one of their favorite residences. However, Buckingham Palace released a statement last week indicating that the King would undergo a surgical procedure for an enlarged prostate. Shortly after the announcement, he left Scotland. Consequently, Charles had to postpone his planned engagements at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire, including a dinner and meetings related to his King’s Foundation charity. The King’s openness about his diagnosis serves as an encouragement for other men experiencing similar symptoms to seek medical advice, earning praise from men’s health charities.
While King Charles dealt with his upcoming surgery, Queen Camilla visited an art gallery in Aberdeen last Thursday. When asked about her husband, she assured everyone that he was “fine” and “looking forward to getting back to work.” The announcement of Charles’ upcoming hospital procedure by Buckingham Palace came just 90 minutes after Kensington Palace shared the news of the Princess of Wales recuperating at The London Clinic following her abdominal surgery.
The recent break from tradition by King Charles and Queen Camilla has garnered attention and raised questions about their decision to spend the holidays at Balmoral instead of Sandringham. As the King prepares for his upcoming surgery, it is evident that his health has played a significant role in altering their plans. Nevertheless, the royal couple remains optimistic and committed to their responsibilities, as demonstrated by their involvement in charity work. As the public eagerly watches for updates, it is clear that the monarchy is adapting to the changing circumstances.
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