Storm Floris Forces Balmoral Castle to Close Early
Jaden Patel here, your dry-humored correspondent noting that even royal estates need a weather break. Let’s all pretend we’re surprised that Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, King Charles III’s preferred late-summer retreat, has shut its gates temporarily because a summer storm decided to turn scenic Highlands into a wind tunnel.
The estate issued a statement on Instagram on August 4 explaining that Balmoral will be closed to the public for the day due to Storm Floris. Visitors holding tickets for August 4 will receive refunds and a polite advisory not to travel to the property. This abrupt closure follows amber and yellow wind warnings issued by the United Kingdom’s Meteorological Office, as reported by The Associated Press, which described gusts strong enough to send the castle’s famous stuffed stags flying—figuratively speaking, of course.
This unscheduled shutdown arrives just six days before the estate’s planned seasonal closure on August 10. Balmoral is celebrated as the Highland home of the Royal Family, offering a rare, informal look at monarchy life: tartans, corgis, and corgi-shaped souvenirs sold in the gift shop. Visitors who braved the wind warnings found themselves greeting drizzly lochs instead of deer.
King Charles continues to balance royal duties and health commitments. He was spotted at a Caithness Communities reception in Thurso, Scotland, carrying on amid his managed cancer treatment. According to a fan interview published by PA News and Hello! magazine, the monarch mentioned during a Newmarket engagement that he’s “feeling a lot better” and chalked it up to “just one of those things.” Buckingham Palace affirmed in December, via NBC News, that the 76-year-old’s treatment regimen will persist into next year.
Meanwhile, royal headlines keep piling up. Peter Phillips, son of Princess Anne, announced his engagement to Harriet Sperling on August 1. The couple’s spokesperson told Hello! magazine that both families were “delighted” by the news after more than a year of dating.
In another historic moment, Queen Camilla earned the title of Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom just one day before her 78th birthday. She is the first woman ever appointed to this honorary Royal Navy post, a nomination from First Sea Lord Sir Gwyn Jenkins and approved by King Charles.
Royal watchers were slightly disappointed when Kate Middleton withdrew from her planned appearance at Royal Ascot hours before the races. Kensington Palace confirmed to NBC News that the Princess of Wales is still navigating the right pace for public events following her own cancer battle.
And in a legal subplot, Prince Harry lost his appeal on May 2 to restore expanded security protection through the Royal and VIP Executive Committee. The High Court’s decision, covered by the BBC, means Sussex family security remains at the reduced level established after their 2021 step back from frontline duties. Harry described himself as “devastated” by the ruling.
Between storm shutters at Balmoral and royal engagements near and far, it seems the crown never stops juggling weather warnings, anniversaries, and court cases. Stay tuned for the next royal tempest.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, The Associated Press, PA News, Hello! magazine, NBC News
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
