# King Charles' Scottish summer retreat > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/king-charles-summer-visit-to-scotland > Updated: 2026-09-05T15:59:46.000Z. Sources: 54. Developments: 10. In early August 2026, King Charles III began his annual summer retreat in Scotland, starting at the Castle of Mey. During this period, the King planted the ‘King’s Rose’ in the Diamond Jubilee Rose Garden to benefit the King’s Foundation. By mid-August, the Royal Family transitioned to Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire. On 23 August, the Royal Family, including King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and the Prince and Princess of Wales with their three children, attended a Sunday service at Crathie Kirk. This appearance followed reports of Prince William’s concerns regarding the upcoming return of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the United Kingdom, where their children were expected to begin the school year in September. While Buckingham Palace denied that the summer stay at Balmoral was an ‘emergency summit’ to discuss the matter, reports suggested Prince William and Kate Middleton remained concerned about the implications of the couple’s relocation. On 26 August, it was confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had returned to the United Kingdom with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Following the Sussexes' arrival via private jet, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, departed Balmoral via commercial flight to return south. The relocation of the Sussex family may facilitate a first personal meeting between Catherine and her niece, Princess Lilibet, as the Princess of Wales has previously expressed anticipation to meet the child. On 5 September, King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended the annual Braemar Gathering at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park. The event, which attracts approximately 16,000 spectators, featured traditional Highland games such as caber tossing, tug of war, and Highland dancing, alongside piping competitions. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend Braemar Gathering King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended the annual Braemar Gathering in Scotland, celebrating Highland traditions, sports, and piping competitions before traveling to Balmoral. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/king-charles-and-queen-camilla-attend-braemar-gathering ### 2026-08-27: Prince William and Princess Kate depart Balmoral for school term Prince William and Princess Kate have left Balmoral, returning to prepare their children for the new school year, including Prince George starting at Eton College. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/prince-william-and-princess-kate-depart-balmoral-for-school-term ### 2026-08-27: Prince William and Catherine depart Balmoral as Sussexes relocate to UK Prince William and Catherine depart Balmoral via commercial flight as Prince Harry and Meghan reportedly relocate to the UK, potentially enabling a first meeting between Catherine and Princess Lilibet. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/prince-william-and-catherine-depart-balmoral-as-sussexes-relocate-to-uk ### 2026-08-23: British Royal Family gathers at Balmoral amid news of Harry and Meghan's UK return The Royal Family is at Balmoral amid news that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan to return to the UK. William and Kate attended church services as tensions regarding the Sussexes' return remain a focus. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/princess-catherine-attends-church-service-at-crathie-kirk ### 2026-08-15: King Charles III begins annual summer holiday at Balmoral Castle King Charles III is at Balmoral Castle for his annual summer holiday, a tradition marked by the exclusive Balmoral Tartan and historical tensions regarding Prince Harry's attendance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/king-charles-iii-begins-annual-summer-holiday-at-balmoral-castle ### 2026-08-11: Royal Family prepares for Balmoral summer retreat and Prince George's school transition The Royal Family prepares for their annual summer stay at Balmoral Castle, while Prince George readies for his move to Eton College amid new school privacy measures. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/king-charles-iii-begins-summer-break-in-scotland ### 2026-08-06: King Charles III plants 'King's Rose' at Castle of Mey King Charles III planted a new 'King’s Rose' at Scotland's Castle of Mey; the cultivar, created with David Austin Roses and the King’s Foundation, will also appear in other royal gardens and supports charitable 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/king-charles-iii-plants-namesake-rose-at-scotlands-castle-of-mey ### 2026-08-05: King Charles III Attends Scottish Highland Games Amid Cancer Treatment King Charles III attended the Mey Highland Games in Scotland while undergoing cancer treatment, reaffirming his public duties; the royal family also announced Princess Eugenie's baby girl. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/king-charles-iii-attends-scottish-highland-games-amid-cancer-treatment ### 2026-08-04: King Charles plants new rose at Castle of Mey during Scottish summer retreat King Charles III began his August Scottish holiday at Castle of Mey, planting the new King’s Rose in the Diamond Jubilee Rose Garden and wearing a kilt at the Highland Games. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/royal-yacht-britannia-and-balmoral-castle-highlight-british-monarchys-private-estates ### 2026-08-01: King Charles attends Mey Highland Games in Scotland King Charles, joined by Lady Sarah Chatto, attended the Mey Highland Games in Caithness, Scotland, watching traditional events, meeting participants and enjoying a dram of whisky. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/king-charles-attends-mey-highland-games-in-scotland --- Cite as: King Charles' Scottish summer retreat. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/king-charles-summer-visit-to-scotland