The Queen’s summer plans revealed – including a birthday tea with Meghan Markle and horse riding around Balmoral
IT'S been revealed that after a short delay meeting the UK's new Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, the Queen has now travelled to Balmoral to kick off her summer break.
The Queen usually stays at her estate in the Scottish Highlands until October - and this year is set to be no different, with reports indicating that Her Maj will spend the next few months relaxing, spending time with family and even throwing a birthday shindig for Meghan Markle.
It's thought the Queen has headed to her private residence after the Royal Standard flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered yesterday afternoon.
It is only flown when the 93-year-old monarch is present and is replaced by the Union Flag when she is not.
But what does the Queen get up to while staying in her seven-bedroom home?
According to Princess Eugenie, Her Maj is "the most happy there" with the royal explaining that a typical time at the Craigowan Lodge involves "walks, picnics and a lot of dogs".
This year, it's reported that the Queen will host a birthday tea for her granddaughter-in-law Meghan - who turns 38 on August 4.
It is understood that Meghan, Harry and Archie will travel to Balmoral where they will be given their own wing, as well as enjoying a traditional afternoon tea with Her Maj.
“It is testament to Meghan that she has been given this invite. It’s a huge honour.
“They will celebrate Meghan’s birthday, and the catering team will bake a cake to mark the occasion.
“Meghan may be a Duchess who can have anything she wants but the Queen is giving her a thoughtful present.
“It’s no secret Balmoral is Her Majesty’s favourite home and that’s why this invite is so special and heartfelt.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton along with their three children: Prince George, six, Princess Charlotte, four and one-year-old Prince Louis are also expected to visit.
It's thought that the Queen will also be enjoying picnics, horse riding, attending the Highland Games, taking walks around the 50,000 acres of land and driving through the moors in her Land Rover.
Her Majesty also hosts the Ghillies Ball for Balmoral staff and other members of the local community.
And it's even rumoured that the Queen enjoys watching staff catch the bats hanging in the castle's rafters.
Prince Philip, too, will be having a relaxing time in the Highlands. It's thought the 98-year-old enjoys throwing a barbecue for the family.
A Balmoral housekeeper told the BBC: "The Prince, he barbecues, and this is his design.
"They come out here themselves with their guests. There is no staff. He cooks, and the Queen sets up the table and serves the salad.”
Speaking about the Queen and Prince Philip's love of the Highlands, Princess Eugenie said on ITV documentary, Our Queen At Ninety: "Walks, picnics, dogs – a lot of dogs, there's 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.
"It's the most beautiful place on earth.
"I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands."
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