King Charles to 'stay working' during summer holiday as he follows Queen's example

Prince William to break tradition and not live in Buckingham Palace when King, sources claim |

GB NEWS

Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 18/08/2025

- 17:32

The monarch has officially begun his summer stay at Balmoral Castle

King Charles will continue working during the summer holiday as he follows the late Queen Elizabeth's example.

Although his annual trip to Balmoral Castle offers a break from public life, the monarch’s work continues.


Like his mother before him, King Charles is expected to spend his stay reading official papers from his daily “red boxes,” while also holding audiences and carrying out a small number of engagements.

King Charles has officially begun his summer stay at Balmoral Castle with a traditional welcome ceremony, and a mischievous pony was there to greet him.

King Charles

King Charles to 'stay working' during summer holiday as he follows Queen's example

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PA

On Monday, August 18, the King, 76, marked the start of his holiday in the Scottish Highlands by inspecting troops from Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Dressed in a kilt, he also came face-to-face with the regiment’s mascot, Shetland pony Corporal Cruachan IV.

As the King spoke with the pony’s handler, smiling a few times during the exchange, Cruachan appeared to be on his best behaviour. Before moving on, the monarch gave the mascot a gentle pat on the nose.

While the pony has behaved well in recent encounters with King Charles, he has built a reputation for mischief during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

King Charles

King Charles meeting the Shetland pony Corporal Cruachan IV

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PA

In 2017, Cruachan tried to eat the flowers the late Queen was holding during a visit to Stirling Castle. The following year, he relieved himself during the ceremonial welcome at Balmoral, prompting the Queen to turn away and cover her nose.

Acknowledging the mascot’s naughty streak, Queen Elizabeth once joked: "Here we are again," upon seeing Cruachan.

The official welcome signals the start of the royals’ annual stay at Balmoral, where the grounds, gardens and exhibitions have now closed to the public for the season.

The castle, bought in 1845 by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, has been a summer retreat for the family ever since.

King CharlesKing Charles spends each summer in Balmoral | PA

"It was a life of picnics and paddling around," the late Queen’s cousin Margaret Rhodes once recalled.

Balmoral was particularly special to Queen Elizabeth, the setting for Prince Philip’s 1946 proposal, their honeymoon, and summers with their children and grandchildren.

In the 2016 documentary "Our Queen at Ninety", Princess Eugenie said: "I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands."

The castle is also a place of reflection. It was here that Queen Elizabeth died on September 8, 2022, aged 96, just days after performing her final duty. Last year, King Charles marked the first anniversary of her death and his accession to the throne with a service at Crathie Kirk.

King CharlesKing Charles arriving at Balmoral Castle | PA

Other members of the Royal Family are expected to join the King and Queen Camilla in Scotland over the coming weeks.

Prince William and Kate are likely to make the trip north with their three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also have a major change ahead. Over the weekend, GB News confirmed that the couple will relocate from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge in Windsor before the end of the year.

The larger property is described as their “forever home” — one they intend to remain in even after William becomes King.