Royal tradition will go on

The Queen Will Exit Lockdown To Move To Balmoral This Summer

The Queen and Prince Philip are reportedly set to exit lockdown at Windsor Castle, where they've been self-isolating since March. The royal couple will relocate to the Queen's summer residence, Balmoral Castle, in August. Here's what we know so far about the move.

After four months in lockdown, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip will relocate to Balmoral Castle in August. The move will come a few weeks later than usual for the Queen, who typically spends the summer months at the Highlands estate beginning in mid-July.

Queen and Prince Philip are exiting lockdown for Balmoral

The Sunday Times first reported the news of Her Majesty's new travel plans, noting that she still hopes to arrive at Balmoral by early August. It had remained uncertain whether or not movement would be permitted for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early stages of the health crisis, they were united at Windsor Castle, where they've remained to date.

Lockdown restrictions had begun to ease ever so slightly for the nonagenarian royals as recently as this weekend. On Friday, they ventured out to the Royal Chapel of All Saints to attend the socially-distanced wedding ceremony of Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. The same day, the Queen hosted Captain Tom Moore on the grounds of Windsor Castle for his knighthood investiture.

Captain Sir Tom Moore

The Queen Knights Captain Tom Moore At Windsor Castle: Pictures Here!

Social distancing with guests will take place at Balmoral Castle

As is usually the case, other family members will visit Her Majesty and Prince Philip at the 50,000-acre Scottish estate. Travel plans aren't yet known for specific relatives—who could include the Cambridge family or Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla—but it's been reported that the Sussexes will not visit Balmoral in 2020. This development is due to Prince Harry, Duchess Meghan, and Archie's residence in the U.S. state of California, a location that's been severely afflicted by COVID-19.

Balmoral is a private property estate owned by the British Royal Family. It was a favourite destination for Queen Victoria, whose love for the countryside is rivalled perhaps only by Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty is known to be at her happiest while in the Highlands, a fact that was confirmed by Princess Eugenie in the documentary Our Queen at Ninety. She said: "I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands."