Meghan & Harry Took a Secret Scotland Trip with Charles & Camilla
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's stay with George and Amal Clooney at Lake Como wasn't their only secret trip this summer. Following their PDA-filled appearance at the Sentebale polo match on July 26, the couple quietly jetted off to Scotland with Harry's dad and stepmom, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
"The visit happened the day after their visit to the polo. They stayed for five days and it was Prince Charles hosting them," a source tells BAZAAR.com. The couples stayed at Castle of Mey in Caithness, Scotland, on the country's northern coast, Us Weekly reports. This marked Meghan and Harry's first time visiting the site.
"During the days they took long hikes along the coast (which looks out over John o’ Groats) and the evenings were spent at the castle where a fleet of staff catered to their every whim," the insider adds to BAZAAR.com. "They will have no doubt enjoyed some wine from the castle’s very extensive collection."
The Castle of Mey dates back to the 16th century, but it wasn't under royal ownership until the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II's mom and Charles' grandma, bought the property in 1952. She restored the estate and its surrounding 30 acres of parkland, and changed its name from Barrogill Castle back to The Castle of Mey.
The Queen Mother would visit the residence for several weeks each year, according to its official website. Today, Prince Charles visits at least once a year and continues support the Castle of Mey Trust. A place with such significance to the royal family was the perfect place for Meghan and Harry to spend some time alone with Charles and Camilla.
"Meghan has developed a warm and close relationship with both Charles and Camilla," royal correspondent Omid Scobie tells BAZAAR.com. "She particularly adores her father-in-law, who has been incredibly supportive during an eventful and testing few months. They’re the perfect parents-in-law and the feeling is absolutely mutual!"
Prince Charles was the one who walked Meghan down the aisle when her father, Thomas Markle Sr., couldn't attend the wedding due to heart surgery. She was also seen having sweet moments with him and Camilla at a Buckingham Palace garden party shortly after the wedding. It seems they're getting along quite well.
Meghan and Harry may also be returning to Scotland soon to visit the Queen at Balmoral Castle, as is tradition with members of the royal family.
('You Might Also Like',)
