The King and Queen have been pictured arriving in Aberdeen for a romantic break at their beloved Highland retreat as the couple celebrate 19 years of marriage.
Photos show Charles and Camilla arriving at Aberdeen Airport this evening after flying in from RAF Northolt in north-west London.
The King and Queen have celebrated their anniversary nearly every year at the retreat since tying the knot on April 9, 2005.
They flew in to Aberdeen Airport before being driven to the late Queen Mother’s home seven miles from the castle, where they also spent their honeymoon.
The visit comes as the King battles an undisclosed form of cancer. It is unclear if he has completed his care or is convalescing in-between treatments.
His late mother, Queen Elizabeth, often used the Balmoral estate as a place of relaxation and the King’s arrival comes just months after his diagnosis sent shockwaves across the world.
The news was later compounded by the announcement that his daughter-in-law Kate, Princess of Wales, was also suffering from cancer.
Charles was previously advised by doctors to avoid any large-scale public events and visits to protect his health during a crucial stage in his treatment.
Despite this, he has been keen to remain in the public eye since revealing he had cancer in February following a procedure for an enlarged prostate. One insider previously told the Mail: ‘The idea of a monarch cloistered away just wouldn’t wash nowadays and will only create damaging speculation about His Majesty’s health.’
It is understood that he is planning to ‘ramp up’ his schedule over the coming weeks.
A source said last month: ‘While it is too early to confirm things – and, of course, it is relatively early in His Majesty’s treatment cycle – the patient is positive, the doctors are optimistic and the treatments are incredibly sophisticated.’
But like his mother before him, Charles appears to be making use of the remote estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park to take a break and convalesce.
Balmoral is where Queen Elizabeth would spend most summers enjoying the tranquil surroundings and some much-needed rest, during which time she would attend to her Highland ponies and enjoy strolls around the sprawling rural estate.
It is understood Charles previously used the Birkhall retreat to recover from a corrective procedure after being diagnosed with an enlarged prostate while he was staying there.
He also chose it as his honeymoon destination with Camilla after their wedding 19 years ago, and they spent New Year’s Day there last year.
The monarch is said to be ‘so optimistic’ about his treatment that he hopes to attend Royal Ascot this summer, as well as some of the garden parties at Buckingham Palace that honour community and military heroes.
The Balmoral estate has been home to the Royal Family for more than a century.
Earlier this month it was revealed that the King will open Balmoral’s interior to the public for the first time from July 1.
A Palace spokesman yesterday confirmed the King and Queen were staying at Birkhall but said they would not comment further as it was a private visit.
The King and Queen celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary yesterday, and will be spending quality time together at the serene royal estate from today.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
