Kate Middleton and Prince William Enjoyed "Special Time With the Queen" at Balmoral
They do this every year.


The royals' lives are super busy, but that doesn't mean they don't have time for family. Kate Middleton, Prince William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis just spent a week reconnecting with relatives in Scotland—including honoring their annual tradition of spending the August Bank Holiday weekend at Balmoral, the Queen's favorite Scottish residence.
"William, Kate, and the children have been enjoying some family time in Scotland and they have just spent some special time with the Queen," a source told royal expert Katie Nicholl for Vanity Fair. "They always enjoy going up to Balmoral, they love the outdoors and walking in the hills and spending quality time with family. It’s where William spent a lot of his childhood and it’s important to him that his children experience what he did as a young boy."
A second source, this one a family friend, added that this last long weekend of the year has become an annual fixture for the royals. "It has become a tradition in recent years that the Bank Holiday weekend is the final family get together before Christmas and everyone is invited," the unnamed source said. "In the past it has turned into one big sleepover with lots of the Queen’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her Majesty enjoys it immensely."
While I don't imagine the Queen gets involved in too many pillow fights, it's so sweet that the little ones get to spend time with their great-grandma—especially now that she now longer has Prince Philip by her side.
During their stay in Scotland, the Cambridges reportedly enjoyed time with Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles as well.
The Duke and Duchess are also reportedly looking for a more permanent change of scenery, and are said to be considering moving from London to Windsor.
Related Stories
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.

Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
I Used Nordstrom’s Sale Section to Craft 7 Perfect Summer Outfits
These are formulas you can rely on.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Your Syllabus Guide to the 'Weak Hero Class 2' Cast—Meet the Rising K-Drama Stars Playing the Students of Eunjang High
So many exciting names join Park Ji-hoon in the second season of the Netflix hit.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton "Continue to Push Boundaries"
"They definitely have a different dynamic compared to other royal couples."
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton "Continue to Push Boundaries" When It Comes to This Aspect of Royal Life
"They definitely have a different dynamic compared to other royal couples."
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince William Is in a "Power Struggle" With Father King Charles Over Prince Andrew's Future
The King and Prince of Wales seem to have differing views on the matter.
By Kristin Contino
-
How Princess Kate and Prince William are Following in The King and Queen's Footsteps With Surprise Anniversary Celebration
The Prince and Princess of Wales will mark their 14th anniversary on April 29.
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis Secretly Spent Easter With Princess Kate's Parents
The little royals were spotted in Sandringham, and hot cross buns were allegedly involved.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince William Has "No Time For" Uncle Prince Andrew, Per Royal Source
The Prince of Wales is said to be "one of the driving forces " behind keeping Andrew out of royal life.
By Kristin Contino
-
The "Nerve-Racking" Meeting King Charles's Cousin Had With Princess Diana
"I could have been a complete idiot."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Why Kate Middleton "Lets Louis Run Wild," But Not Prince George and Princess Charlotte
"Louis has won the hearts of many people with his antics."
By Amy Mackelden
-
An Unexpected Senior Royal Is Set to Attend Pope Francis's Funeral at the Vatican
King Charles—who paid tribute to the pontiff on social media—is unlikely to attend.
By Amy Mackelden