Ever since Prince Albert purchased Balmoral Castle in 1852, it has been the British royal family’s summer retreat. Queen Elizabeth spent several weeks there with her family every summer, often staying from late July into October. In fact, Queen Elizabeth passed away at Balmoral on September 8, 2022.
Following his mother’s example, King Charles normally begins his summer break in August. Retreating to the secluded Scottish castle in August, Charles enjoys some private time with his family.
This year, however, Charles’ summer break has been postponed for a special occasion.
King Charles will mark VJ Day before his summer vacation at Balmoral Castle
On August 15, the king will mark the 80th anniversary of VJ (Victory over Japan) Day, commemorating Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II. Buckingham Palace announced last week that Charles will deliver an audio message that morning. While the UK observes VJ Day on on August 15, the US recognizes the anniversary on September 2.
The King’s broadcast is only one of the ways the royal family is honoring the 80th anniversary. Charles’ sister-in-law Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, visited veterans at a Salisbury care home earlier this week.
On August 12, the Duchess visited the home as patron of The Java Far East Prisoner of War Club 1942. She spoke with 105-year-old Royal Marines veteran James Wren, who survived the sinking of the HMS Repulse in 1941. He was later held for three and a half years in a Japanese POW camp.
Meanwhile, King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend a Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum. The royal couple will also meet with veterans of WWII.
Elsewhere in the UK, Sophie and her husband Prince Edward will attend a service at the Scottish National War Memorial. The service at Edinburgh Castle is sponsored by the Royal British Legion Scotland.
Other working royals Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, and Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester, will represent the monarch at two events. The king’s cousin and his wife will attend the Far East Prisoners of War VJ Day 80th Anniversary Service at Norwich Cathedral. Afterward, they’ll proceed to a commemorative service honoring the Children and Families of the Far East Prisoners of War in Suffolk.
The royal family’s VJ Day recognitions will wrap up with a reception for veterans at Windsor Castle in the fall. Then perhaps Charles and Camilla can get in a few vacation days at Balmoral. Rumor has it that Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and their two kids might stop by for a visit with Grandpa Charles.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK PRINCE HARRY WILL EVER RECONCILE WITH CHARLES? WILL HE AND MEGHAN GO TO BALMORAL?
