Royal Family gathers at Balmoral amid concerns for Queen’s health

Posted at 16:4716:47

Balmoral plan swings into action with little fuss

James Cook

Scotland Editor – Reporting from Balmoral

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

There is little drama here at the gates of Balmoral. Little fuss.

Instead a well-rehearsed plan has swung quietly into action.

The police are directing traffic; and every few minutes another reporter or photographer crosses Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s bridge over the River Dee to join the throng watching and waiting at the entrance of the estate.

For much of the afternoon the rain teemed down, leaving the purple heather sodden.

At 5.05pm there was a flash of camera bulbs as a motorcade swept past, with Prince William driving a car containing Princes Andrew, Edward; and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex.

They have come to a place the Queen loves, perhaps more than anywhere else.

Many people here in Royal Deeside return that affection.

In modern times Balmoral Castle, built in the 1850s for Queen Victoria, has been a constant in the life of the royal family – an enduring symbol of the monarchy.

Tonight thoughts and prayers here are with Victoria’s great, great, granddaughter, Elizabeth.