Queen Camilla's secret plans to meet King Charles at residence with deep meaning to the royal couple

A source said: "Camilla has been spending time with her family over the past few weeks and will be heading up to Balmoral later this week," speaking to the Express.

But nestled in the grounds of the monarch's Aberdeenshire residence lies Birkhall - a property held by Charles since the Queen Mother's death in 2002, and the site of his 2005 honeymoon with the then-Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla.

The source continued: "Birkhall is like a second home to both of them, they absolutely adore it.

"Not only is it where they had their honeymoon but also where they both enjoy spending time together away from prying eyes."

The King and Queen are understood to be staying on at Birkhall despite the rest of the cast of royals coalescing at Balmoral over the coming days.

But it's at the main residence where "crunch talks" over the future of the family are set to take place.

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Sources have claimed the holiday will serve as a summit for the planning of the monarchy's next decade.

While Charles has long favoured the concept of a "slimmed-down" Royal Family, Princess Kate's and his own cancer diagnoses - as well as Princess Anne's injury - will likely serve as a point of perspective, with "minor" working royals stepping up to the plate for public engagements in the trio's respective absences.

But the King is said to see the summit - slated to begin in just days after Balmoral closed to the public on August 4 - as a "happy" occasion.

"The King is keen for it to be a happy family occasion which will see members of the Royal Family come together for just over a week to discuss plans for the future and to unwind," a source told the Express.

But certain would-be attendees haven't made the cut, with the source adding: "Harry and Meghan will not be joining the rest of the Royal Family in August.

"The Sussexes will not be part of that meeting - but may join the King at a later date when the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family have left."

Another source told the Daily Beast that King Charles would like to spend more time with his youngest son - but William, who they said was "calling the shots" in the family, has ruled out any such return.

The Prince of Wales refuses to speak to Prince Harry, with the source claiming his ban against the wishes of the head of state "tells you everything you need to know about who is really in charge".