King Charles has paid a heartfelt tribute to Balmoral Castle, describing the Scottish estate as a “uniquely special” place for the Royal Family as the historic residence prepares for its seasonal closure to visitors.

Balmoral, located in Aberdeenshire, has been a treasured royal retreat for generations. The 50,000-acre estate was purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852 after they developed a deep affection for the Scottish Highlands.

In the foreword to a new 80-page guidebook about Balmoral, King Charles described the estate as his family’s “cherished Scottish home”, praising its distinctive buildings and surrounding landscape.

The King also reflected on the special connection his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, had with Balmoral. He recalled that the estate had held a special place in the family’s hearts since his childhood and said his mother particularly treasured her time there.

Queen Elizabeth II spent her final days at Balmoral before her death on September 8, 2022, aged 96. Charles has previously spoken about how deeply his mother loved Scotland and the Balmoral estate.

Balmoral has traditionally served as a summer retreat for the Royal Family, offering a quieter environment away from the demands of royal life.

The King has continued that tradition while also making changes to the estate.

In 2024, Charles opened parts of Balmoral Castle to the public for the first time in more than 170 years. The estate has since welcomed visitors to its grounds, gardens and exhibitions during the public opening season.

For 2026, Balmoral opened to visitors from late March through mid-August, after which the gates traditionally close as the Royal Family uses the estate for its private summer retreat.

Charles’s latest comments underline that, beyond its role as a royal residence and tourist attraction, Balmoral remains a deeply personal place for the King and his family — one associated with childhood memories, family traditions and the final days of Queen Elizabeth II.

Note: There is no reliable evidence in the sources reviewed that King Charles is “retreating from the limelight” in the sense of stepping down from royal duties. The phrase appears to be referring to the King spending time at Balmoral, a traditional private retreat, rather than a formal withdrawal from public life.