Inside George, Charlotte & Louis Summer – Kate’s Training, The Queen’s Sailing & Gifts

Ditching their traditional Caribbean getaway, the Cambridges have opted this year for a stay like millions of Britons – spending time in Norfolk, Cornwall, and barbecuing at Balmoral

As millions of children return to school this week, at least a few of them can reflect on a busy summer vacation.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have embraced the stay trend this year – offering Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis sailing lessons, beach games and a welcome Scottish break with their grandmother, the Queen.

In previous years, the Cambridges flew to the exclusive Caribbean island of Mustique – described as the playground of the rich and famous – where they rented luxury villas.

With the pandemic dashing the hopes of many Britons to vacation abroad, the family decided this summer to stay local, heading to Norfolk, the Isles of Scilly and, of course, Balmoral.

While the proud sailor Kate has – literally – shown the kids the ropes, Her Majesty is also said to have welcomed precious time with the family, even leaving personalized gifts on their pillow.

Here’s how the young Cambridge kids made the most of their break.

Keen Kate forms a “family of sailors”

Along with Kate and Wills, both avid sailing enthusiasts, the family reportedly took advantage of the fleeting summer sun by touring the Norfolk coast by boat.

A local source said Katie Nicholl of Vanity Fair that the Cambridges are “very much a family of sailors now” after briefing the kids on while staying at their Norfolk Anmer Hall home in early August.

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“Kate has always been a competent sailor and William is pretty good too,” the source said.

“They had a wonderful time on the coast this summer sailing and showing the kids how to steer and navigate a boat. They love the water and the two older ones are good swimmers and had no qualms about jumping in. the sea although it was a bit cool.

George, eight, Charlotte, six, and Louis, three, reportedly spent hours in the water with their dog and played in the sand while their parents watched.

As they boarded the boat, the royal couple made sure that all three children were wearing life jackets.

However, when it was time for a swim in the sea, the children put on regular bathing suits.

“They are clearly a family who love being outdoors and in nature. It was nice to see them playing so freely and not being disturbed by anyone,” the source added.

Barbecues, fishing and bike rides

Over the holiday weekend, the Cambridges also decided to come see the boss at Balmoral.

Her Majesty was delighted to welcome her grandchildren to the Scottish estate for the long weekend – a tradition which has become an annual rendezvous, Vanity Show reports.

This year’s trip had added significance, however, not only in light of Covid’s restrictions over the past year, but also because it marked the first family reunion since Prince Philip’s death.

A source told Nicholls that the Cambridges had a “special time with the Queen” this weekend and “have always loved going to Balmoral.”

“They love the outdoors, walking in the hills and spending quality time with their families,” the source said. “This is where William spent much of his childhood and it is important to him that his children experience what he did as a young boy.”

Kate and Wills are said to have taken the children on long country walks, fishing, horseback riding and cycling.

In honor of Prince Philip, who was known among the royal family as the king of barbecues, they also enjoyed the odd cuisine outside.

The Queen reportedly “wanted things to get back to normal” during the break and chose traditional barbecues as a way to bond with family.

A source said The sun : “Family barbecues are back on the agenda even without Philip for the first time.”

Special gifts from the queen for the family

While the Cambridges have also reportedly spent time with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, it is believed that they were particularly keen to support the Queen.

A family friend told Vanity Fair that the monarch looks forward to spending quality time with his grandchildren every year – and even leaves special gifts on the pillows of loved ones.

“In the past this has turned into a big slumber party with many of the Queen’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” the friend said. “His Majesty greatly appreciates him.”

Previously, it had also been revealed that Sarah Ferguson had been asked to return to Balmoral’s fold after years of tensions with Philip.

“Sarah Ferguson is coming,” a source told the Daily mail. “She will be here with Andrew.

The Duke and Duchess of York were also joined by their daughter Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank.

For the children of Cambridge, however, it’s back to school this week, with George and Charlotte returning to Thomas’s Battersea School in southwest London.

Little Louis will also be attending Willcocks Nursery School after being enrolled in April.

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