King Charles III went to Scotland for an extended mourning period

We still haven’t heard anything about King Charles III’s coronation. Which isn’t really surprising? When he was Prince of Wales, Charles liked to schedule things way in advance, and he was regularly “booked” for months. It will take a while for the old schedules to be thrown out and canceled and for his new schedule as king to be filled up. My guess is still that the coronation will be next spring, probably early May. That’s when I would schedule it if I was in his place, but clearly they don’t listen to me! Meanwhile, while everything gets reorganized now that the funeral is done, King Charles III has flown to Scotland to observe the extended period of mourning.

King Charles has flown to Scotland to begin a royal period of mourning after tearfully burying his mother The Queen. His Majesty is expected to visit Balmoral castle where the Queen died 12 days ago. He could also spend some time at Birkhall, his Scottish home on the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire. The Royal Family will be in mourning for another seven days at the new monarch’s wish.

King Charles left RAF Northolt on a private jet with Queen Camilla this morning. Police removed their helmets and bowed as he stepped onto the flight.

Yesterday he buried his mother during a service in Windsor. The service was for senior royals only – and completely private – but one senior royal source told the Evening Standard: “Yes there were tears. Of course there were. But at least Her Majesty is at peace now’.”

[From The Sun]

I find it interesting that he went to Scotland. Balmoral is his now, free and clear. He has his own private homes, Castle Mey and Birkhall, not to mention the official royal Scottish residence Holyrood Palace. While I think it’s weird that KCIII isn’t getting to work immediately, I also wonder if the trip to Scotland is a bit strategic too. While the Commonwealth will fall apart almost entirely in the next three years, Charles has an immediate concern about Scottish independence. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants another independence referendum vote next year, even though the Tory rags are trying to make it sound like support for Scottish independence has taken a downturn in the wake of QEII’s passing. Um, wouldn’t it be the opposite?

Photos courtesy of Cover Images, Avalon Red.

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70 Responses to “King Charles III went to Scotland for an extended mourning period”

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  1. ThatsNotOkay says:

    Took a private jet? It’s good to be the king, exempt from all human decency, the effects of global warming, and the need to behave well towards your subjects or own kids.

    • equality says:

      Charles NEVER flies commercial.

    • Amy Bee says:

      The Queen took private jets to Balmoral all the time. She was never criticized for it.

      • clarissa says:

        this is mostly pointed at charles after all his political environmentalism. it’s very difficult to watch charles and will take private jets and helicopters meanwhile campaigning on climate change. QEII never took a strong stance on it, so she was just less likely to take a face shot on private travel

      • Duchcheese says:

        The queen was NEVER EVER criticized for anything, period. Even up to this day, if you asked anyone what exactly it is the queen did in this world that would make her a memorable person, everyone will tell you that she ruled the UK for 70 years, that’s pretty much it. But this, I’m thinking, is mostly directed at Charles who will never stop bleating about environment change and how everyone and their grandchildren should do everything to save mother earth while he himself never flies commercial. Charles’ entitlement attitude of “you peasants just do as I say but not as I do” is not a surprise though, he thinks he was born to be better than everyone else.

      • Athena says:

        It’s just a bad look after asking world leaders to fly commercial and be bused to the funeral in support of the environment to than turn around the day after and take a private jet to one of his many homes.

        The request for those attending the funeral to fly commercial was plain stupid. The bus thing they could have explained it as being more expedient, and to alleviate traffic and stay on schedule instead of citing the environment.

  2. Amy Bee says:

    Don’t forget he also owns Dumfries House. I mean after all that work he did to try to humiliate his son, he has to be exhausted.

    • windyriver says:

      He doesn’t own Dumfries House privately, not in the way the family owns Balmoral, Castle Mey, Birkhall. Dumfries was originally held as part of a trust, then folded into the Prince’s Foundation along with other of Charles’ projects and charities. He supposedly has private rooms in part of the house and obviously has the ability to conduct his own business activities, but Dumfries in general is run for the benefit of the public.

      • Fortuona says:

        Castle Mey is held by a trust as well . Charles spend a week there every year

        And they SNP might hold another Referendum but have no plans to start a Republic . They want it to go back to pre 1707 with 2 Kingdoms with the same Monarch

      • Jaded says:

        @Fortuona — I’ve read that there’s a difference between the Republicans within the Independence movement. Scotland would become independent from the United Kingdom, and instead of continuing the Union of the Crowns that predates the original political union of 1707, a republic would be formed with an elected Head of State assuming the role of the deposed monarch. However the largest pro-independence party, the Scottish National Party, favours a Commonwealth realm similar to other crown countries like Canada (I’m Canadian), Australia and New Zealand. It will be interesting to see how the potential referendum next year will go. Either way it’ll send a strong message to KC3 that his version of the UK is rapidly shrinking.

      • windyriver says:

        That’s interesting, I should have read a little further. Just saw that Mey was purchased by the Queen Mother. Not only did it become part of a trust, though it wasn’t originally as was Dumfries, but apparently that trust was also folded into the Prince’s Foundation. Hmm. No wonder Charles needs money. It looks like they’re doing some similar things as at Dumfries but on a smaller scale, opening it for a tourist season, renovated some buildings for a small B&B.

        Isn’t Sandringham the other significant property they own privately?

      • Fortuona says:

        No it is changing

        And we have 3 parties in favour of the monarchy and one which may be divided which leave it at 65% against and 35% for

      • Digital Unicorn says:

        @Fortuona – from what I understand from family back home (am Scottish) becoming a republic is gaining a lot of support within the independence movement. Even some of the hard core SNATs don’t want things to go back the pre 1700’s setup – times are changing, the SNP/Green’s vision of independence is becoming obsolete and is something they are sticking their head in the sand about. Many independence voters want to completely cut ties with the rest of the UK and there is a growing anti royal movement as well.

  3. Giddy says:

    Balmoral was privately owned by the queen and is an unbelievable 50,000 acres. It’s gigantic and now all his. That amazes me!

    • Fortuona says:

      Liz’s dad bought it and Sandringham off his brother when he abdicated as a pay off

    • Digital Unicorn says:

      That part of Scotland is just STUNNING and I can see why Queen Vic and Albert bought it. Plus it’s remote and they can hide away from the media.

      He won’t sell it but I can see him making it a more sustainable and self sufficient estate like he did with Highgrove and Home Farm.

    • Deering24 says:

      Balmoral is gorgeous, but that amount of fertile private acreage is a shame.

  4. TeamMeg says:

    I wonder about Northern Ireland. Do they, too, have an Independence movement like Wales and Scotland?

    • Amy Bee says:

      Google the history of the IRA. Plus Sinn Fein holds the majority of seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

    • Jaded says:

      Ireland has had an independence movement since the late 1870s. Read up about the Easter Rising of 1916. The British executed the leaders of the insurrection and arrested thousands of nationalist activists, which in turn led to increased support for the separatist group Sinn Féin, which is still active to this day. Also read up on The Troubles and the IRA. It’s a long and sad history of British repression and internecine war.

    • PunkPrincessPhD says:

      @TeamMeg: Jaded & Amy Bee have offered some useful starting points, but to clarify: there is very little push for an *independent* Northern Ireland. The two constitutional positions (which lay at the root of the Troubles from 1968-1998 and remain unresolved) are the status quo, with NI remaining as a constituent part of the UK with some devolved legislative authority OR reunification of the 6 counties of NI with the Republic of Ireland (i.e. “the rest” of Ireland). If you have specific questions, this is the area of my PhD and scholarship, so happy to answer what I can.

      • Pinkosaurus says:

        So, is the expectation that a reunited Ireland would still have Charles as the king or is it likely that the reunification would included losing the monarchy?

      • TeamMeg says:

        Thank you, @PunkPrincessPhD. I am aware of the history and the Troubles—I grew up in the era of Dublin car bombings—but was more wondering about now. I haven’t heard of any recent calls for independence, but maybe with the Queen gone, do you have a sense the movement might rise again?

      • PunkPrincessPhD says:

        @pinkosaurus: a united Ireland would absolutely be outside of the monarchy. What is now the Republic of Ireland has had a President as Head of State since independence in 1921/22, and unilaterally left the commonwealth and declared Republic status in 1948. While some advocates for reunification (not just Sinn Féin) have suggested keeping or developing cultural representation and symbolism for Northern Irish unionists, this would likely be representation in the upper house (Seanad), a redesigned flag, language protections for Ulster-Scots. Not connection to the monarchy or Commonwealth.

        @TeamMeg: sorry, didn’t mean to make assumptions! To answer your question, polls show increased support for reunification since the Brexit Shambles – especially among those under 40. There is an indication that the monarchy holds less weight among young unionists as well, but little evidence to show of that translates to young unionists being persuaded to a United Ireland. Recent polls, just prior to QEII passing, shoes a very slight majority in favour of reunification, but likely not enough to pass a referendum (which would also need majority support in the Republic of Ireland). There’s little to no movement for a stand-alone, independent Northern Irish State – even Unionists were against a devolved NI parliament following Partition in 1921.

  5. girl_ninja says:

    When the monarch dies at least he will have all of these properties to console himself right? He gets to keep all that land and those houses and castles?

    • Duchcheese says:

      I’m happy to see all this hullabaloo, about someone that colonized millions of people and lived off of our backs and sweat all her life, but is being celebrated like she invented penicillin, end. This means this is the beginning of that despicable man Charles’ time to fade back into nothingness and insignificance. Can’t happen to a much more deserving person/monster. Let the Sussexes’ rebuilding of their lives restart. Tomorrow is a new day I really am looking forward to.

  6. C-Shell says:

    “ That’s when I would schedule it if I was in his place, but clearly they don’t listen to me! ”

    OH, yes they do! I am convinced they have a staff person who reads Celebitchy every damn day. Have we figured out how many properties, private and public, CIII and Wails own or control? It’s mind boggling.

    • Elizabeth says:

      I think the coronation will be scheduled for June, just before or after the monarch’s official birthday.

      • Pinkosaurus says:

        I think the ONLY way they can justify the cost of the coronation events is tourism. It happens during the summer for sure so they can get the press to talk about how much business it generates for everyone.

  7. Lizzie says:

    I think he might just be exhausted from the last 10 days and needs a rest away from everyone.

    • Pinkosaurus says:

      He may need a rest from the public, but hopefully he spends the week getting his new team figured out and cohesive.

    • Jaded says:

      He needs to have a come-to-Jesus meeting with his PR/Comms teams to repair some of the damage he’s done in the last 10 days. If that’s not first on his agenda, his reign is doomed. He’s also got to get rid of QEII’s private secretary, Edward Young, who is a disgusting person and loathes the Sussexes. I’m sure he was behind most of the insults they suffered with dignity over the last couple of weeks.

      • Athena says:

        It’s been reported that he’s keeping Edward Young.

        You know what’s sad, I cannot name my president’s private secretary but know the name of that of the RF.

      • Michelle says:

        And didn’t KC3 & Cam hire new comms person from the Daily Mail? The horrid Angela Levin is Cam’s biographer so PC3 can talk all he wants about family unity but actions speak louder. The ONE thing QE2 funeral showed is how Charles and Will treat Sussexes like garbage. Cruel is the point.

    • Cj says:

      Not to mention this is the role he’s wanted for decades. Better to have any glee over that away from the public….

  8. Jay says:

    Well, nothing soothes the soul like tartan Disneyland, as they say. Truly, though, I think it’s probably a good move to put a little distance between the funeral and whatever engagements he does next As king. Also, from a cynical standpoint, once the Sussexes have left and the Wails go back into hiding, it means whatever he does next will make a bigger splash, even if it’s just cutting a ribbon at a hospital somewhere.

    Personally, I think he should start with a smaller “bread and butter” engagement to set the right tone, rather than go for something more splashy, like a trip abroad. Maybe palace aides ( well, the ones who aren’t fired – another reason to lie low while the households get sorted out) are scouring the countryside as we speak for the new king’s first big outing.

    • Eurydice says:

      Oh, the Wails aren’t going to go back into hiding. They’re going to reap the “rewards” of their grasping nature – briefing that Will should be king over Charles, how impeccably “queenly” is Kate. You don’t grab the POW/Cornwall prize without the burden of all it entails. Already we see the proposed Australia tour and there will be more coming. You wanted it Wills? You got it.

  9. Becks1 says:

    I mean, I would love to escape to a large Scottish castle/estate after a stressful time, so I can’t say I blame him.

    I wonder if they’ll do the coronation maybe in early june, around the time Trooping usually is, and then for the future the trooping will also be a coronation anniversary? IDK. when was the queen coronated?

  10. Pumpkin (Was Sofia) says:

    It’s been a very busy and emotional 10 days so I’m not surprised he’s decided to “wind down” a bit before getting back to work. I probably would too if I was in his position.

  11. BUBS says:

    Hopefully H and M have flown back home too…they can observe their own prolonged mourning period in Montecito!

    • Noki says:

      They were probably waiting to see how the family will spend the rest of their mourning period. Since the King has hightailed outta Windsor no one can accuse them of being rude and leaving too soon. I hope they are in the air already.

  12. Noki says:

    If the UK was the size of Russia i would try to be less disgusted. But its a tiny island and the Royal family has all these acres. Meanwhile people live in semi detached housing and crampy studio flats. Wow!

  13. Chaine says:

    What happens if Scotland goes independent? Won’t Charles still be their king because he is separately the heir to both thrones?

  14. KS says:

    It’s interesting that the article notes that a private burial was held for “senior royals” only – are H&M still considered senior royals?

    • Becks1 says:

      I’m not sure what exactly the private burial was, but i’ve seen the room (tomb?) where the queen’s parents and sister are buried, and its not very big all things considered. So if it was there, then it might have been just Charles, Anne, Andrew, Edward, Tim Laurence and Sophie and a priest or accompanying military representative etc.

  15. Cerys says:

    He’s had a very busy and emotional 12 days so it’s not beyond belief that he feels the need for a bit of time and space to grieve privately.

  16. Fredegunda says:

    The last week and a half have shown that nobody does pomp and circumstance as well as the British, but also that the world has moved on from those kinds of royal displays. To truly modernise the monarchy, Charles should forego a coronation ceremony like all other Euro royals have already done IIRC. He was already proclaimed as king and that should be enough. Instead, he can get a blessing for his reign from the Archbishop of Canterbury, which would be less ostentatious and more in line with the role of a modern monarch.

  17. B says:

    Well whatever he does next, it’ll be a train wreck some how. I’m looking forward to it.
    Also, does anyone else think the Wallace and grommet characters look a little like Charles?

  18. Kokiri says:

    I’m still so amazed that people believe Charles actually loves anyone, let alone his mother.
    Look how he treats mothers, historically.
    He sure had ZERO regard for the mother of his own children.
    Likewise, zero regard for the mother of 2 of his grandchildren.
    If he sees the children of William once a month, I’d be astonished.
    To actually believe he feels anything but “it’s finally MINE “ I think is terribly naïve.

    • Nevia says:

      For what it’s worth, he seems comfortable and natural with George and Louis. More natural and less awkward than he seemed with Harry and William when they were around G and L age, at least from what I’ve seen.

    • SomeChick says:

      whatever love means…

  19. Nevia says:

    Charles, the great environmentalist, lmao.

    I mean, I know he can’t exactly fly commercial as King (and his pampered self would probably rather die than board a plane filled with commoners), but it’s still funny to me. In the future, he should try to stay in one place for an extended period rather than just jet between his various castles and residences. If he still feels passionate about his cause, that is.

  20. Zorica says:

    He is going to Birkhall which is a house part of the Balmoral estate. They never stay in Holyrood, it’s owned by a trust and only used for ceremonial and event purposes. Castle May is also owned by a trust and Dumfries house is used to the benefit of his charities. The Scottish referendum and the people attached to it are massively problematic and are very very far from a sure thing.

  21. Dara says:

    I always figured “official mourning period” was royal code for “everyone is taking a vacation, do not disturb”. I wonder if the kids are back in school, or if Bill and Kate have taken them on holiday somewhere.

    • SURE says:

      He probably won’t mind being disturbed by some high wealth, pay-to-play donors/mourners.

    • Chrissy says:

      Kate will be debriefing and scheming at Carole’s house as we speak. Adelaide is too small for entertaining or mourning QEII. Will is checking in with his side piece who he’s been neglecting for the last two weeks- maybe taking her for a quick getaway.

  22. HeyKay says:

    I know this is an odd thought but, I’m gonna throw it out anyhow.
    Climate change and save the planet concerns made me think….instead of 500 heads of state flying in from all over the world to gather in London for TQ funeral, why didn’t they all stay home and have a ceremony in front of their leaders HQ honoring TQ?

    Making sense?
    You know, each country at their leaders HQ, bring out a small miltary parade, lower the flag, salute, sing God Save the Queen and it all could have been broadcast.

    Plus all that money spent on flowers from the public. No flowers, give the money you would have spent on flowers to a donation at a food bank, or heating assistance to the needy.

    I don’t know. Nothing makes common sense to me about the entire BRF or any of the Royals.

    • nina says:

      Nah, the Queen is not universally loved as most Brits would like to believe. To most people in other countries the BRF is an interesting curiosity. Other countries were not going to spend that kind of money. The world was rubbernecking and watching the show, not grieving for the queen. Because who doesn’t like marching bands and pomp and ceremony.

  23. JRenee says:

    For those who watch the event calendars, will all of these funeral events get added as “work”? Asking because I’m sure some will take more than an additional week off…

  24. A says:

    I mean, I can’t say I hate it. Good for him for taking the time to mourn and regroup for a little bit, rather than jumping right into his duties bc “Keep Calm and Repress Your Emotions” or w/e. He must probably also be exhausted from all the sh-t he’s had to deal with in the last week alone, lmao. And he’s probably giving the press a chance to quiet the f-ck down, particularly regarding his son and DIL, before he chances being in the public eye again as king.

    King Charles III. Welp, alrighty then. So that’s that. Good luck, Chuckles.

    ETA: If he’s going there to consolidate or ensure that Scotland remains a part of the union, then he’d be out doing public events to drum up support for the monarchy + staying a part of Britain. He’s not though. And I’d honestly hope that, as the newly minted head of state, he’s not going to overstep his boundaries so f-cking quickly that he’d be going around scheming with Scottish politicians on figuring out a way to undercut the independence movement. I hope he’d have more sense than to do that.