This summer marks the Wales family's final before George enrolls at Eton College

Balmoral offers the Royal Family "privacy" during their summer break, a royal commentator has said.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have now begun their summer break along with their three children, Prince George, 13, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, eight.

This year, of course, their retreat to the King's private Scottish residence is even more special than usual, with George set to leave the Wales nest and follow his father's footsteps by boarding at Eton College.

Admittedly, the institution is merely a stone's throw from Forest Lodge, the Wales family's "forever home", but it still marks an important landmark in the future King's childhood.

Nevertheless, William and Catherine treasure their time in Balmoral - something that has become a tradition in the family stemming from the late Queen's adoration for the castle.

Usually, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Princess Royal join the King and Queen and the Wales family in Scotland. Notably, as will be the case this time around, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been missing from proceedings.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told GB News that William will "remember happy childhood summers," while Catherine "enjoys the outdoor activities the estate offers and George delights in the walking, fishing and picnics".

The Princess of Wales is a known nature lover, and it became a particularly important part of her life as she recovered from cancer.

She previously detailed how nature had become her "sanctuary" in the wake of her diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy treatment.

The Royal Family have long cherished their visits to the secluded Balmoral.

It has been suggested the family have set up barbecues and picnics in the sprawling gardens, or even go for a swim.

"It’s a place with special memories and where the RF can have privacy," Mr Fitzwilliams noted.

But Balmoral is also memorable for some of the most heart-wrenching and traumatic moments in the family's recent history.

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William was on the estate on August 31, 1997, when he learned that his mother, Princess Diana, had died in a car crash in Paris.

It is also the place where the late Queen Elizabeth II drew her last breath, on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96.

"Of course, Balmoral will forever have been associated with the late Queen who died there," Mr Fitzwilliams added.

"It was thought fitting as she loved the estate and was so fond of Scotland.

Located in Aberdeenshire, Balmoral was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852. There are an estimated 150 buildings on the estate.

It became a popular honeymoon destination for royal couples, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in 1947, and later then-Prince Charles and Diana in 1981.