Part of King Charles’ Royal Residence Is Closing

Balmoral Castle has announced its closure to public visitors, marking the end of the 2025 summer season and signaling the beginning of the royal family‘s traditional Highland retreat to their beloved Scottish estate.

The royal residence also experienced an unexpected temporary closure on August 4 because of Storm Floris before its scheduled seasonal closure. “Balmoral will be closed to the public today, Monday 4th August, due to Storm Floris,” the estate announced on Instagram. “Please do not travel to the Estate. We will be issuing refunds for tickets to visit today.”

The estate then announced the official seasonal closure through an Instagram post on Monday, August 11, expressing gratitude to visitors who experienced the historic property during its months-long public opening period.

This annual closure paves the way for King Charles and other royal family members to enjoy their cherished summer traditions in the Scottish Highlands.

Annual Tradition Continues at Historic Estate

The closure announcement follows a well-established royal calendar that dates back generations. “Balmoral Castle, including the grounds, gardens, and exhibitions, is now closed to the public,” the estate announced. “Thank you to everyone who visited the castle and estate during the 2025 summer season. We hope you enjoyed your visit and left with memories to last a lifetime.”

Balmoral has served as the royal family’s summer sanctuary since Queen Victoria’s reign, when Prince Albert purchased the property in 1852. The late Queen Elizabeth II particularly devoted herself to the estate, typically departing for Scotland in late July and remaining until October each year. Her love for the property was evident throughout her 70-year reign, and it became the site of many important family moments.

King Charles, now 76, has maintained his mother’s cherished tradition of spending late summer at Balmoral since becoming monarch. The estate holds special significance for the King, particularly the Ballochbuie Forest area, which he has described as one of the “most precious, and almost sacred” parts of Balmoral due to his passion for wildlife conservation.

The 50,000-acre estate in Aberdeenshire represents one of two properties that the monarch owns privately, alongside Sandringham in Norfolk, England. This private ownership allows King Charles personal oversight of the estate’s various projects, including its gift shop and restaurant that feature products from local suppliers and producers.

Royal Family Gathering Place

Prince William and Kate Middleton typically visit Balmoral with their three children—Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7—continuing the multi-generational tradition of family gatherings at the Highland retreat. The estate provides a peaceful setting where the royal family can enjoy privacy and engage in outdoor activities away from public duties.

Princess Eugenie captured the estate’s significance to her grandmother in the 2016 documentary “Our Queen at Ninety,” saying, “I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands,” according to People.

Royal biographer Sally Bedell Smith told the outlet that the castle was “a place of rejuvenation and reflection” for Queen Elizabeth II. The estate holds particular poignancy as it was where the late Queen spent her final days, passing away at Balmoral on September 8, 2022, becoming the first British monarch to die in Scotland since James V in 1542.

King Charles first opened Balmoral to public tours in 2024, allowing visitors unprecedented access to areas inside the castle while maintaining its role as a cherished royal residence. The estate’s website noted that “while remaining true to Balmoral’s legacy as a cherished Royal home, the castle and estate have never been more welcoming.”