Charles III as a toddler rides a sculpture of a deer outside Balmoral Castle, watched fondly by his family. From George VI, Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, 1951.
Some of Queen Elizabeth II’s happiest memories at Balmoral
Balmoral Estate near Ballater has been the summer residence of the British royal family for generations.
Queen Elizabeth II spent nearly every summer there with her family, and has said that some of her fondest memories were in the Deeside estate.
Here are some favourite photographs of the royals in happier moments of years gone by.
Charles III as a toddler rides a sculpture of a deer outside Balmoral Castle, watched fondly by his family. From George VI, Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, 1951.
Away from the spotlight, Elizabeth II fishes for salmon, 1952.
Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at the 1955 Presentations of new colours to Cameron Highlanders.
Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and children Anne and Charles III, pose outside Balmoral Castle, 1950s.
Playtime with the young Charles III and Princess Anne.
Grooming one of the estate’s ponies, with Elizabeth II and Princess Anne, 1955.
All smiles on Charles III’s fourth birthday.
Out for a stroll – Elizabeth II, Princess Anne and Charles III along a rough hill road near Balmoral castle.
The royal couple, Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, share a joke while hiking on the estate, 1972.
Posing in plaid – Elizabeth II and Prince Philip with their children Prince Andrew, back centre, Prince Edward, centre front, Charles III, far right, and Princess Anne, second right,1972.
Inspecting the guard of honour formed by the 1st Bn. Queen’s own Highlanders at the gates of Balmoral Castle, 1970s.
Elizabeth II and Prince Philip feed the horses at Balmoral Castle, 1972.
Accepting the pennants during a visit of the British Driving Society, 1977.
A family dog walk with Princess Anne’s son Peter and the dogs, 1979.
Gordon Highlanders Inspection, 1961.
Images: Keystone Press Agency/Zuma, Shutterstock, The Seventies Magazine, Aberdeen Journals, D Sutherland, Daily Mail.