King Charles Temporarily Closes Balmoral Castle Due to Severe Weather: ‘Safety First’
King Charles Temporarily Closes Balmoral Castle Due to Severe Weather: ‘Safety First’
By Rachel Avery, Homes Editor | January 2, 2026
Balmoral Castle Closed Due to Extreme Weather
King Charles III began 2026 with a tough decision: temporarily closing his cherished Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle, due to harsh weather conditions. On Friday, January 2, the estate was closed to ensure public safety.
The official update on Instagram stated:
Balmoral is closed to the public today (Friday, January 2) due to winter weather conditions and an active weather warning. Please follow our Facebook and Instagram pages or visit balmoralcastle.com for the latest opening information. Take care and stay safe.
How Long Will Balmoral Castle Remain Closed?
Currently, the castle is scheduled to reopen tomorrow. However, visitors are advised to stay updated through official channels and monitor weather reports. According to the Met Office, Aberdeenshire, where Balmoral Castle is located, is under an amber weather warning until Saturday midday. This suggests that the castle may remain closed until the warning is lifted.
The weather notice reads:
Heavy snow showers will become more frequent and may merge to give longer spells of snow at times. The area and period covered by this warning are when the heaviest and most disruptive snow is thought most likely during the current cold spell, with existing yellow warnings covering a wider area and a longer period.
Prioritizing Public Safety
Closing Balmoral Castle is a decision made with great consideration. Although it has occurred more frequently in 2025, the priority remains the safety of the public. As Homes Editor, I have reported on several instances of royal residence closures. While visitors may be disappointed, it is reassuring to see public safety being prioritized.
King Charles’ Current Whereabouts
The monarch is believed to be spending time at Sandringham in Norfolk, where he celebrated the festive period with his family and attended church on Christmas Day. Fortunately, he is away from the extreme weather affecting Balmoral. Although there are no upcoming engagements listed on the official court circular, King Charles’ dedication to his duties suggests he will resume his work soon.
King Charles’ Message of Condolence
Despite being on his festive break, King Charles took the time to issue a heartfelt statement regarding the tragic fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, which claimed 40 lives.
My wife and I were appalled, and greatly saddened, to learn of the devastating fire last night in Crans-Montana, in Switzerland. It is utterly heartbreaking that a night of celebration for young people and families instead turned to such nightmarish tragedy.
While offering our admiration for the heroic first responders and the selfless emergency services, we wanted, above all, to convey our deepest possible sympathy to all those who have been so dreadfully affected by this horrific disaster.
Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of all those who have so tragically lost their lives and with those who remain in a critical condition in hospital.
