Why Prince William and Kate Middleton’s Balmoral trip will be tinged with sadness for the Queen

Prince William and Kate Middleton are expected to enjoy a staycation with the Queen at Balmoral Castle this summer, but it is set to be tinged with sadness for the 95-year-old Monarch. 

• Prince William and Kate are set to take their children to stay at Balmoral Castle this August.
• Balmoral Castle was a place where the Queen enjoyed many memories with her late husband, Prince Philip.
• This follows royal news that royal fans were left shocked over Princess Charlotte and Prince George's latest appearance for this reason.

With the ongoing global pandemic, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are planning the ultimate staycation as they prepare to take Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis to Balmoral Castle in August.

According to Woman magazine's royal columnist, the family will spend a long weekend with the Queen.

"Before the pandemic, it was traditional for senior members of the family to gather at Balmoral in August to enjoy shooting, fishing and family barbecues," Duncan Larcombe explains.

"With foreign holidays looking increasingly unlikely this summer, William and Kate were happy to accept an invitation from the Queen."

While we've no doubt Her Majesty is looking forward to having some company, she's no doubt feeling apprehensive at the thought of her first summer at Balmoral without her beloved husband as the pair were said to be "fascinated" and "charmed" with one another after 73 years of marriage.

Balmoral Castle holds a particularly special place in the Queen's heart, as she and Prince Philip shared a whole host of happy memories at the Scottish holiday home.

Not only is the castle decked out with pictures of the Queen and Prince Philip, but many photographs have also been released over the years of the pair enjoying the grounds.

Although Buckingham Palace is the Queen's official residence, Balmoral Castle is where the Queen went to grieve Prince Philip's death after he passed away back in March.

On making new memories without Prince Philip, Duncan said it will be an adjustment for all the family.

"The traditional summer family gathering will be tinged with sadness this year without the Duke of Edinburgh."