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Every year, the 92-year-old travels 500 miles to Balmoral Castle to kick back and relax, indulging in her favourite summer pastimes at the remote holiday estate.
The Queen enjoys leisure activities with her family, which include long walks, picnics, and watching sack races which have left her “hooting with laughter”.
Even though the Queen has no official duties at Balmoral – she does attend the Braemar Gathering highland games.
Balmoral is said to be “where she is most happiest”.
The 50,000 acre castle estate was bought by Prince Albert in 1852 for just £32,000.
The royals are known to be rather homely at the estate, a stark contrast to their royal lives at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen often helps with the washing up, so much so that Margaret Thatcher once reportedly sent her a pair of gloves, surprised that the monarch washed dishes with bare hands.
The Royal Family are also known to enjoy games, walks on the moors with the dogs, shooting, fishing, and formal dinners at Balmoral Castle.
Prince Philip is known to actively take part in summer time festivities, bringing out his inner chef as he grills sausages on the barbecue.
The Duke of Edinburgh, 97, has also arrived at Balmoral Castle this summer after undergoing hip replacement surgery earlier this year.
Lord Lichfield, a former photographer for the family, said in 1972: “Lunch is always outdoors and they are outside every day going on expeditions.”
On Sunday, the Queen, along with Kate and William, looked in high spirits as they were seen leaving Crathie Kirk church in Her Majesty’s Bentley.
Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, the Countess of Wessex and Lady Louise Windsor were also spotted leaving the morning church service.
However, Meghan and Harry were not seen leaving Crathie Kirk, though it is confirmed the royal couple arrived at Balmoral last weekend.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – were also nowhere to be seen.
It is believed they were at the estate with their nanny, with George even witnessing his first ever grouse shooting on Sunday – marking a memorable milestone for the young prince.
Princess Eugenie once described Balmoral as “the most beautiful place on earth”.
She said: “I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands.
“Walks, picnics, dogs – a lot of dogs, there are always dogs – and people coming in and out all the time.
“It’s a lovely base for Granny and Grandpa, for us to come and see them up there, where you just have room to breathe and run.”
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