The King slipped into Aberdeenshire for a clan ceremony and local meetings just days before his summer stay at the royal estate begins.
A Low-Key Stop with Historic Echoes
In a move that caught even some royal watchers off guard, King Charles III appeared in the village of Ballater on August 12, just a short drive from Balmoral Castle. His visit wasn’t for leisure — at least not officially. The 76-year-old monarch was there to inspect the newly commissioned banner of Clan Farquharson at Victoria Hall.
This wasn’t a random choice of clan. Back in 1852, it was the Farquharsons who sold Balmoral to Prince Albert, a purchase that cemented the estate as a royal retreat for generations. That history added an extra layer of symbolism to the King’s appearance just before the royal family’s annual summer migration north.
He was joined by Alexander Manson, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire, and Philip Farquharson, the clan’s current chieftain.
Local Tradition in Full Swing
The banner inspection wasn’t just a ceremonial flourish — it was a warm-up act for the Ballater Highland Games, which will take over the village on August 14. The games, always staged on the second Thursday of August, are a riot of Scottish heritage: pipe bands, Highland dancing, and the famous Hill Race that sends competitors sprinting up Craig Coillich.
While in town, Charles also spent time with the Invercauld Highlanders, who have the honor of marching the clan chief onto the games field, and the Pipes and Drums of the Scots College from Sydney, Australia.
One bystander managed to capture a few photos of the monarch mingling with locals, later posting them to social media — a rare candid glimpse given the King’s increasingly tight security arrangements.
Balmoral Readies for the Royal Summer
The timing of the visit suggests Charles may already be based at Balmoral, or at least preparing to settle in. On August 11, the estate’s official Instagram account confirmed the public grounds were closing for the season, a sure sign that the royals were about to move in.
Balmoral is more than just a scenic getaway. Queen Victoria’s love for the castle set the tone for royal summers, and the late Queen Elizabeth II famously spent her happiest months there, often from late July until October. Charles has maintained that tradition, making the estate a gathering place for the extended family.
| Year | Key Event at Balmoral | Monarch in Residence |
|---|---|---|
| 1852 | Estate purchased from Clan Farquharson | Queen Victoria |
| 1970s | Annual family photo shoots begin | Queen Elizabeth II |
| 2022 | First summer stay as monarch | King Charles III |
Family Visits and Upcoming Engagements
The King’s summer won’t be all picnics on the heather. He’s expected in an official capacity for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on August 15, though it’s likely he’ll return to Balmoral immediately afterwards.
Prince William, Princess Kate, and their children — George, Charlotte, and Louis — are also anticipated to join at some point in the coming weeks, along with other senior royals. Balmoral’s sprawling grounds, fishing spots, and walking trails make it an easy base for both formal entertaining and low-profile family time.
For the locals, the royal presence is a familiar rhythm. Ballater’s shops and cafes often see a bump in business during these weeks, and there’s a quiet pride in the village’s role as the “gateway to Balmoral.”
A Subtle But Symbolic Outing
While it may have been a brief stop, Charles’s Ballater appearance tied together strands of history, local tradition, and royal continuity. By honoring the clan that once sold Balmoral to the Crown, the King placed himself in a line of monarchs who see the estate not just as a private refuge, but as part of Scotland’s living heritage.
And with the Highland Games just days away, the monarch’s discreet arrival was a reminder that in this part of Aberdeenshire, summer isn’t really summer until the royals are in residence.
