The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh are currently spending their extended summer break at Balmoral, where they have stayed since the beginning of August. The royal couple have spent the past few weeks enjoying some downtime on the estate, which is said to be the Queen's favourite place in the world, so unsurprisingly, they are in no rush to return.
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However, Her Majesty and Prince Philip's holiday will end by mid September, with Balmoral set to reopen to the public for guided tours on 3 October.
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An advertisement on the Balmoral Castle Instagram account reveals visitors can once again enjoy daily guided tours of the grounds and exhibitions from early October, after a break of two months while the royals are in residence.
While the Queen would typically go back to Buckingham Palace following her summer holiday, it has been revealed she will now go to Sandringham House for a private stay.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Queen and Prince Philip are currently staying at Windsor Castle
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: "The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will depart Balmoral Castle during the week commencing 14 September to spend time privately on the Sandringham Estate.
"Subject to the finalisation of the autumn programme, Her Majesty's intention is to return to Windsor Castle in October and to resume the use of Buckingham Palace for selected audiences and engagements. These plans will be kept under review and will of course be subject to all relevant guidance and advice."
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© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Queen is expected to return to Windsor Castle
The Queen continued to work after lockdown was announced but has not carried out any official duties in person since the start of the pandemic.
Their annual trip to Balmoral has given the royal couple the opportunity to catch up with their family, including Prince Edward, the Countess of Wessex and their children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn, who enjoyed a stay on the estate in August.
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank have also visited Balmoral, as have Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, who are staying at their Scottish home, Birkhall.
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