A Week in the Scottish Highlands at the Queen Mother's Retreat

On this Sunday evening, we're chatting about Harry and Meghan's week in the Scottish Highlands. Writing for The Sunday Times today, trusted royal correspondent Roya Nikkhah revealed the Sussexes enjoyed a relaxing week with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at the Castle of Mey, the Queen Mother's former residence in Scotland.

Meghan enjoys an incredibly warm relationship with Charles and Camilla and it's been reported she's spent a great deal of time with them both since the engagement. They've both offered her advice and acted as sounding boards throughout the wedding preparations and throughout Meghan's adjustment to royal life. Charles stepped in at the last minute to walk his daughter-in-law down the aisle; he was also instrumental in offering advice and helping to select the wedding music, however, it was the unwavering support and kindness he showed Meghan's mother Doria from the moment she arrived in London that particularly touched Meghan and meant the world to her. During her speech at the wedding reception, the Duchess thanked Charles. The Standard reported: "It was important to her to make a point of thanking him publicly, although, of course, he knows privately how she feels."

Harry and Meghan's decision to spend a week in the Scottish Highlands seemed the perfect opportunity to spend a quiet relaxing week together, no doubt filled with scenic walks taking in the breathtaking views and other outdoor pursuits in the area. I imagine many long conversations were enjoyed over dinner and drinks away from the hustle and bustle of London, and I expect Meghan has become the latest member of the Windsor clan to fall in love with Scotland. It's been such a hectic year filled with change, it's wonderful she shares such a close bond with Charles and Camilla.

The Castle of Mey is located in Caithness, on the north coast of Scotland, about ten kilometres west of John o' Groats. In fine weather there are views from the castle north to the Orkney Islands.

In 1952, the Queen Mother saw what was then known as Barrogill Castle while staying with Commander and Lady Doris Vyner at the House of the Northern Gate on Dunnet Head, a short distance to the west. Despite its poor condition, she purchased the castle that year and set about renovating and restoring both the castle and its gardens and parklands, which extended to about 30 acres. She also restored the castle's original name, changing Barrogill Castle back to the Castle of Mey. Her Majesty opened the gardens in aid of Scotland's Gardens Scheme on three days each year, a tradition which the trustees have been pleased to continue.

Fans of Netflix series The Crown will recall the scene when the Queen Mother travelled to Scotland to purchase the dilapidated property.

In July 1996, the Queen Mother made the property, the policies, and the farm over to the Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust, which has opened the castle and garden to the public regularly since her death.

It is now open seven days a week from 1 May until 30 September annually, with a closed period of ten days at the end of July and the beginning of August, when Charles and Camilla usually stay there. The Trust opened a new visitor centre in early 2007, and the visitor numbers for that year topped 29,000.

A peek inside one of the bedrooms.

The garden are a highlight among visitors year after year.

The gardens consist of the Walled Garden, the East Garden and a woodland area -  with the overall design remaining much as it was in the Queen Mother's time. The East Garden is dissected by Fuschia hedges for shelter. The individual sections are planted with woodland plants such as primulas, meconopsis, astilbes, hellebores, hostas, ferns and foxgloves.

Her Majesty the Queen Mother's experienced green fingers ensured that the garden at the Castle of Mey prospered. She even managed to nurture her favourite old rose, Albertine, into scented abundance behind the Great Wall of Mey. The garden is full of marigolds, pansies, dahlias, primulas and nasturtiums, while old-fashioned shrub roses and climbers form the highlights of the Shell Garden, where the Queen Mother would sit with her corgis in the afternoon. It is as it was in her day, the same Albertine rose still grows on the wall, as does the London Pride surrounding each rose bed.

Below, Prince Charles photographed at the Mey Highland & Cultural Games in Caithness, Scotland on Meghan's birthday. I expect Harry and Meghan travelled there shortly after the van Straubenzee wedding. Meghan shared a birthday on 4 August with the late Queen Mother.

Following her husband's passing, the castle became a beloved bolthole for the grief-stricken Queen Mother who enjoyed nothing more than spending time in the garden with her corgis. I'm sure she would be delighted to know the younger generations of the Royal family are still spending time there today.

Perhaps the trip signalled the beginning of a new tradition for the couple, who are styled as the Earl and Countess of Dumbarton in Scotland.

According to various reports, Meghan is planning a short trip to Toronto and California to spend quality time with her mother Doria and close friends. We expect to see Harry and Meghan in Balmoral over the next few weeks with the Queen, too.

I imagine we'll begin to hear details regarding the couple's autumn schedule over the next week or two.