The Cambridge family’s 2020 Christmas card.Photo: Matt Porteous / The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge/Kensington Palace via Getty
Queen Elizabethhas been relishing her final moments with family in Scotland before she returns to life in London.
Prince WilliamandKate Middletonbrought their three children —Prince George, 8,Princess Charlotte, 6, andPrince Louis, 3 — to the monarch’s Balmoral estate in Scotland for an end-of-summer visit, according toVanity Fair.
Vanity Fairreports Kate and William’s visit to Scotland marks their first family get-together with Queen Elizabeth sincePrince Philip’sfuneralin April.
William previously publiclystatedthat “the connection I feel to Scotland will forever run deep.”
He noted, “It was here in Scotland — 20 years ago this year — that I first met Catherine. Needless to say, the town where you meet your future wife holds a very special place in your heart.”
He added, “George, Charlotte and Louis already know how dear Scotland is to both of us, and they are starting to build their own happy memories here too. We have no doubt they will grow up sharing our love and connection to Scotland from the Highlands to the Central Belt, from the Islands to the Borders.”
Queen Elizabeth.Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
The Queenarrived at Balmoralin July, with aformal welcometaking place on August 9.
For more than 150 years, the Scottish castle has served as a private retreat for the British royals. In the highlands, the royals normally like to entertain friends, hold dances, picnic and go on shooting parties — all the while battling the nibbling little flies that stalk the heather-covered mountain sides.
Traditionally, the Queen hosts members of the royal family at Balmoral throughout the summer.
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Although it’s a vacation, it’s not all play for the 95-year-old monarch while she’s away in the Scottish Highlands. She does continue to work, reading her diplomatic papers in the famous “red boxes” that are delivered daily. She also normally continues to hold audiences and undertake some public engagements.
source: people.com