King Charles, Queen Camilla retreat to Balmoral for winter respite

After hosting festive celebrations at Sandringham, King Charles and Queen Camilla have relocated to the serene Scottish Highlands for a period of relaxation. 

The Court Circular confirmed their stay at Balmoral Castle this week, where they are enjoying some downtime.

The 76-year-old monarch is set to return to his royal duties on Monday at Buckingham Palace. His first engagements of the year will include hosting three organisations focused on Holocaust education and preserving the memory of its survivors.

Unlike the late Queen Elizabeth II, who traditionally remained at Sandringham until February 6 to mark her father’s death anniversary, Charles and Camilla have chosen to split their winter retreat between Norfolk and Scotland.

The royal couple welcomed family members to Sandringham over Christmas, including Camilla’s children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes, along with their families. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales also joined the celebrations, attending the Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church with their three children before spending time with the King and Queen.

Conspicuously absent was Prince Andrew, who stayed at Royal Lodge in Windsor amidst ongoing controversy surrounding his alleged ties to a banned Chinese national accused of espionage.