Taking a brief break from official state duties, Queen Camilla enjoyed a low-key family shopping trip in the Scottish village of Ballater, kicking off the Royal Family’s annual late-summer residency at Balmoral Castle alongside her sister, daughter, and teenage grandchildren.

Dressed in casual sweaters, slacks, and weather-appropriate coats, the 79-year-old monarch was spotted browsing local specialty shops—including a quaint bookstore and an authentic Scottish cashmere boutique—accompanied by her sister Annabel Elliot, daughter Laura Lopes, 48, and 18-year-old granddaughter Eliza. Laura’s 16-year-old twin sons, Gus and Harry Lopes, also joined the family excursion before keeping a low profile and returning to their vehicle.

The relaxed family afternoon unfolded just eight miles from the historic Balmoral estate, a day prior to King Charles III’s official welcome ceremony where the monarch inspected the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland at the castle gates.

Balmoral has anchored royal summer getaways since Prince Albert purchased the estate for Queen Victoria in 1845. The 50,000-acre Aberdeenshire haven—one of two properties privately owned by the monarch alongside Sandringham in Norfolk—was especially treasured by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who traditionally spent July through October on the estate surrounded by visiting family members. King Charles and Queen Camilla have continued that tradition since his accession in 2022, routinely hosting Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their children throughout the late-summer weeks.

The Scottish getaway provides a rare period of respite for Camilla following an exceptionally demanding summer itinerary that included Trooping the Colour, Royal Ascot, Wimbledon, and the Commonwealth Games. The Queen also played a central role alongside the King during his high-profile summer reunion at Highgrove House with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their two young children.

Even while based in the Highlands, official commitments remain on the royal schedule. Following the family outing in Ballater, Queen Camilla traveled south to Yorkshire to attend the prestigious Ebor Festival at York Racecourse, fulfilling her role as the racecourse’s patron since taking over the patronage in 2024.