Andrew's Balmoral visit 'carefully managed' to avoid clash with Prince William

Thanks to the late Queen's tradition, the royal family continues to gather in one place each year for their annual summer holiday in Balmoral.

Balmoral is regarded as the royal family's most private retreat. King Charles and Queen Camilla have already arrived, with His Majesty wearing a kilt as he inspected a guard of honour and a Shetland pony at the gate of Balmoral.

What surprised fans this week was the arrival of Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, who travelled to the Aberdeenshire estate for the annual getaway. 

It has now been reported that Andrew and Fergie are likely to be kept at an arm's length from the rest of the royal family, according to expert Jennie Bond. 

The Duke and Duchess of York are believed to have been given Craigowan Lodge, a residence the late Queen was also fond of. 

Jennie told the Mirror: 'Charles is fond of his nieces, Beatrice and Eugenie, and he wouldn't want to deprive them of special family time with their parents. Nothing is ever going to change the fact that Andrew is his brother. 

She added that many of the visits to the Scottish residence are carefully coordinated to ensure there are no awkward encounters. 

'I expect that Andrew's stay will not coincide with William and Catherine.'