Balmoral Castle was forced to close its doors to the public due to storm warnings

One of King Charles‘ most beloved royal residences, Balmoral Castle, has been forced to close its gates to the public following severe weather warnings.

On August 4, Balmoral Castle announced that it would be shutting its doors for the day due to Storm Floris, a powerful storm currently sweeping across parts of the UK.

King Charles’ Balmoral Castle closes to visitors

“Balmoral will be closed to the public today, Monday 4th August, due to Storm Floris,” read the official statement posted to Instagram. “Please do not travel to the Estate. We will be issuing refunds for tickets to visit today. Stay safe, everyone.”

The update comes as the UK’s Met Office issued amber and yellow warnings for wind across the region on Monday.

According to the forecast, gusts of 50 to 70 mph were expected in many areas, with exposed coastal and highland regions facing winds of up to 90 mph.

“Storm Floris will bring a spell of unusually strong west or northwesterly winds to much of Scotland during Monday,” the Met Office stated.
Balmoral Castle was impacted by a storm this week (Credit: Photo by Peter Jolly/Shutterstock)
The closure of the Balmoral Estate comes just days before the castle ends its summer visitor season on August 10. It also means fewer opportunities for the public to explore the iconic royal home.

The estate has been open since April 1. Visitors are allowed access to its gardens, grounds, exhibitions, and, for the first time last year, inside part of the historic castle itself.

Please do not travel to the Estate.

Located in Aberdeenshire, Balmoral Castle has served as a beloved summer retreat for the royal family since the reign of Queen Victoria.

Victoria famously described the residence as “my dear paradise in the Highlands”.

King Charles, 76, has upheld the tradition. The king often spends late summer on the grounds. However, he prefers staying at Birkhall, his private home located within the estate.

Birkhall holds special significance for the monarch and Queen Camilla, as it was the site of their 2005 honeymoon.
Balmoral Castle was forced to close its doors to the public due to storm warnings on August 4 (Credit: Cover Images)

Events at Balmoral Castle

Prior to its seasonal closure, two special events are still set to take place, after which the estate will retreat into privacy once more, with the royal family expected to arrive for their annual summer gathering.

While Balmoral prepares to close its gates, King Charles has been spending time in Scotland.

On July 28, he attended a reception for Caithness communities in Thurso, located near the Castle of Mey.

It was the holiday home of The Queen Mother, Charles’ grandmother.

However, it is currently closed to the public from July 24 to August 8. This has sparked speculation that the king may be staying there before relocating to Balmoral.

Balmoral Castle remains a symbol of royal heritage and personal significance for the king and his family.

It was, after all, the place where Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96 on September 8, 2022.

In recent years, King Charles and Queen Camilla have ushered in a “new era” for the estate. This has included the addition of a restaurant, gift shop, and expanded garden spaces. The 2023 season marked the first time visitors were able to tour inside the castle itself.

Read more: Prince Andrew receives ‘reminder from King Charles’ amid scandal