King Charles and Queen Camilla were captured getting off their plane as they landed in Aberdeen for their 19th anniversary. Retreating to their Balmoral estate home has been a longstanding tradition for the reigning couple.
King Charles and Queen Camilla recently marked a special milestone, celebrating 19 years of matrimonial bliss with a romantic getaway to Aberdeen.
The royal couple, known for their enduring bond, chose their cherished Highland retreat for this year’s anniversary as they do every year, a tradition they’ve honored since their wedding on April 9, 2005.
Arriving from RAF Northolt in north-west London, they were seen touching down at Aberdeen Airport in the evening. They later made their way to their secluded haven, Birkhall in Balmoral Estate.
Nestled a mere seven miles from the castle, Balmoral is a place that holds sentimental value as it was where they spent their honeymoon. This visit, set against the backdrop of King Charles’ ongoing battle with an undisclosed form of cancer, adds mystery to whether he is in the midst of treatment or taking time to rest.
Located in the expansive Cairngorms National Park, this remote estate offers a tranquil escape from public life. For King Charles, following in his mother’s footsteps to find solace and strength in the beauty of nature is a cherished ritual, one that he and Queen Camilla now share as they look back on nineteen years together and forward to many more.
The estate has long been a cherished retreat for the British royal family. Queen Elizabeth, as a young princess, along with her sister Margaret Rose, enjoyed many joyful holidays at Balmoral.
This tradition continued throughout her reign; the estate became her preferred summer sanctuary, where she found peace and solace amidst its vast landscapes. It was here that Queen Elizabeth indulged in her love for Highland ponies and took leisurely strolls, truly embracing the serene embrace of Balmoral.
Balmoral holds an equally special place in His Majesty’s heart, not only as a cherished childhood memory but also as a testament to his grandmother’s influence.
“It is such a special place, particularly because it was made by my grandmother,” he reflected. This “childhood garden,” as he fondly calls it, has seen only modest enhancements by the King, aimed at preserving its original charm and beauty.
Situated 600ft above sea level and facing the majestic Lochnagar mountain, Birkhall, the residence on the estate, is enveloped in an aura of seclusion and tranquility.
The River Muick, a vibrant waterway that courses through the estate, adds charm to the garden. The sound of its water and the loud calls of swifts flying above are what captivates the Royal. “The river is the magic,” King Charles marveled.
Meanwhile, the gardens at Birkhall are a testament to the meticulous care and dedication of its caretakers. Flowers particularly blooming in the late summer months also align well with the Monarch’s preferred time to visit.
Interestingly, the hands that tend to this lush expanse, Ann Bain and Suzie Graham, were not always into gardening. Originally horse loggers, their journey to becoming Birkhall Gardens’ custodians began with a desire for change. This led them to garden duties at Birkhall one day a week.
Eight years into this new path, they stepped up as the garden’s full-time caretakers. They progressed under the mentorship of Debs Goodenough, King Charles’s head gardener at Highgrove.
The garden’s layout is a scenic marvel, with levels that show off many red roses, like Europeana, Le Mans, and Bishop Elphinstone. This floral splendor is anchored by trimmed yew decorations. The main one comes from the Queen Mother, while King Charles adds more to make the garden look good in winter.
From peas and beans to dahlias and sweet peas, and from potatoes to raspberries, the garden is a blend of fruit, vegetables, and flowers, cultivated to provide fresh produce for the house during the royal family’s stay.
This self-sufficient oasis not only serves the practical needs of Birkhall but also stands as a breathtaking spectacle of nature’s abundance, meticulously curated to peak in beauty when the King and Queen are in residence.
