The Queen, 95, has spent every summer at the Scottish residence since she ascended the throne, even managing to holiday in Balmoral last August as the pandemic threatened to call a halt to the annual tradition. This year is no different, with Her Majesty having already travelling up to Scotland at the end of July. But an expert has claimed the Queen may find the summer months particularly difficult this year, as it marks the first holiday since Prince Philip died.

       Royal expert Duncan Larcombe said Philip's absence will be felt in Balmoral this year, as it marks the first time the Queen retreats to the Balmoral estate since the Duke of Edinburgh's passing.

       He told OK! magazine: “The Queen has had a blanket of support thrown around her since Philip’s passing.

       “She’ll have regular guests to stay at the estate.

       "But it will still be an incredibly hard reminder that Philip has gone.

       "Special occasions will always be tinged with sadness."

       The expert said Christmas will be particularly tough for the Queen, as Philip was a central part of the festivities.

       Mr Larcombe said: "She knows the first Christmas at Sandringham will be tough without him as he was the head of festivities.

       "Similarly with Balmoral, he loved to take charge of activities.

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       "It gave the Queen that rest.

       "For the time she was there, she was able to kick off her crown and relax.

       "He loved to be able to do that for her."

       The Queen has spent a 12-week break at Balmoral for each of the past 69 years of her reign.

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       She travelled up to the Scottish Highlands at the end of July and is choosing to stay at Craigowan Lodge, rather than the castle itself.

       The seven-bedroom house is where the Queen spent part of her honeymoon with Prince Philip in 1947.

       Her Majesty is expected to welcome her niece, Lady Sarah Chatto, daughter of Princess Margaret, for some of the time.

       Other royals may also visit her, with the Cambridge family often choosing to spend some of the summer holidays at the Scottish estate.

       The Queen is not expected to attend the annual Highland Games at Braemar, which is due to take place on Saturday, September 4.

       But Her Majesty is expected to invite Prime Minister Boris Johnson, wife Carrie and their son Wilfred for a short stay at Balmoral.