King Charles and Queen Camilla are reportedly set to enjoy a private retreat at their honeymoon spot, Birkhall, by the end of this week. While the Royal Family is due to gather at Balmoral Castle for their annual summer holiday, the King and Queen will first seek solitude at a place of personal significance.
A source speaking to the Express revealed, "Camilla has been spending time with her family over the past few weeks and will be heading up to Balmoral later this week." Birkhall, situated within the grounds of the monarch's Aberdeenshire estate, has been a cherished property of Charles since the Queen Mother passed away in 2002 and was where he and Camilla, then the Duchess of Cornwall, honeymooned in 2005. The source added, "Birkhall is like a second home to both of them, they absolutely adore it. It’s not only where they had their honeymoon but also where they both enjoy spending time together away from prying eyes."
The King and Queen plan to stay at Birkhall while the rest of the royal family assembles at Balmoral. However, important discussions about the future of the monarchy are slated to occur at the main residence. This gathering will serve as a summit to strategise for the monarchy’s next decade, especially considering recent health concerns involving both Charles and Princess Kate, as well as Princess Anne's injury. These developments could lead to "minor" working royals stepping up for more public duties.
Despite the serious agenda, King Charles is eager for the summit to be a joyful family occasion. "The King is keen for it to be a happy family occasion which will see members of the Royal Family come together for just over a week to discuss plans for the future and to unwind," a source told the Express.
Notably absent from this meeting will be Harry and Meghan. "The Sussexes will not be part of that meeting - but may join the King at a later date when the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family have left," the source noted.
According to the Daily Beast, while King Charles wishes to spend more time with his youngest son, Prince William is reportedly "calling the shots" and has ruled out such a reunion. The source claimed that William's decision against the head of state's wishes "tells you everything you need to know about who is really in charge."
