King Charles welcomed Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria, to Balmoral for their first official visit to the royal retreat as Prime Minister. The Labour leader, 62, and his wife arrived at the Scottish residence on Saturday.
As noted in the Court Circular, the Prime Minister had an audience with the King on Saturday evening, and on Sunday, he joined Charles and Queen Camilla at Crathie Kirk for the weekly church service.
The Starmers’ visit was brief, with the couple departing from Balmoral on Sunday as Parliament reconvened on Monday.
Keir Starmer became Prime Minister following Labour’s significant victory in the July General Election. It is a tradition for Prime Ministers to be invited to Balmoral during the summer. In past years, Harold Wilson enjoyed the royal hospitality, famously getting along well with Queen Elizabeth II and participating in riverside picnics.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron recalled that Balmoral was more about outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and picnics rather than relaxation. Theresa May also remembered her time at Balmoral fondly, paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after her passing in September 2022.
Additionally, Tony Blair’s wife, Cherie, mentioned in her autobiography that their youngest son, Leo, was conceived at Balmoral after she accidentally left her contraceptives behind.
The Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen Flower Show
Before hosting the Starmers, King Charles attended the Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen Flower Show at Duthie Park, where he wore a kilt and celebrated the society’s 200th anniversary as its new patron.
During their summer break in Scotland, Charles and Camilla have been joined by other royal family members, including the Prince and Princess of Wales with their children and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Charles is expected to mark the second anniversary of his reign on September 8 and attend the annual Braemar Highland Games on Saturday.
