Prince William and Kate Middleton set to enjoy special vacation with the Queen this summer

Prince William and Kate Middleton could join the monarch for this annual trip

Prince William and Kate Middleton host a drive-in cinema screening of Disney's 'Cruella' for Scottish NHS workers
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Prince William and Kate Middleton could be set to enjoy a very special vacation with the Queen this summer as she undertakes her annual trip to Scotland. 


Prince William and Kate Middleton might get to enjoy a very special vacation with the Queen this summer, as it’s thought that they could be set to join her in Scotland. The Queen departed Windsor Castle, where she and her late husband of 73 years Prince Philip spent the UK’s lockdown, on Friday. It’s understood that she has traveled up to her Scottish home, Balmoral Castle, and the visit will no doubt be a particularly poignant one for the monarch. 

This year's trip marks the first time she has undertaken this annual summer vacation since the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh, her “strength and stay”. However, it seems she may not be alone for the entire duration of her time in Scotland. With the UK’s Covid-19 restrictions having been lifted on July 19, it’s thought that members of the Royal Family might well join her for some private family time. 

And if previous years are anything to go by, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and three of the Queen’s eleven great-grandchildren could be amongst them.

Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, walk together during a garden party at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire on August 7, 2012

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The entire Cambridge family have typically joined the monarch for part of her Scottish vacation across the years. In fact, Prince William and Kate Middleton have their own property on the Balmoral Estate, a cottage named Tam-Nar-Ghar, where they are thought to stay with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis during these trips. 

The Duke of Cambridge is said to have inherited the stunning home from his great-grandmother, the Queen Mother. And it certainly offers a high degree of privacy for the young family, as no photos of the exterior or interior are widely available to view. 

Last year, the Cambridges reportedly reunited with Her Majesty outside at Balmoral Castle for a few days during the summer, abiding by strict social distancing guidelines. According to The Sun, a royal source claimed at the time, "Like every family, they’ve been desperate to get back together and over the moon it was possible this weekend". 

Queen Elizabeth II is shown around 'Back to Nature' by Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

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Prince William and Kate also visited during her break there in summer 2019, where Kate was observed heading to church with Her Majesty. Whilst during his Royal Tour of Scotland earlier this year, Prince William reflected on his time spent at Balmoral in his youth. And though he recalled the dark days of grief following Princess Diana’s death, he also reminisced about meeting Kate Middleton at St Andrews

Addressing the General Scottish Assembly, he said, “Alongside this painful memory is one of great joy because 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.”

Prince William and Kate Middleton visit the University of St Andrews on February 25, 2011 in St Andrews, Scotland

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Prince William also revealed that their children are already building their own memories there throughout their family visits with the Queen.

“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,” he declared.

Whether Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children will indeed join the Queen at Balmoral again this year remains to be seen.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!