Queen Elizabeth is so “delighted” about seeing her great-grandkids at Balmoral Castle, an insider exclusively tells Closer Weekly. The royal monarch reunited with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at their holiday home on Friday, August 28, for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic.

Prince William, [Duchess] Kate (née Middleton) and the kids are spending a few days with Elizabeth and Prince Philip at Balmoral,” the source explains. “It’s the last trip they’ll take as a family before the kids return to school. Elizabeth deeply missed her loved ones during lockdown.”

Queen Elizabeth and family
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The 94-year-old’s Scotland estate is the perfect place for the royal family to relax and unwind. “They’ve been going on long family walks … and George, Charlotte and Louis are enjoying the change of scenery,” the source adds, noting Elizabeth’s great-grandkids are especially having a good time. “There’s so much space at Balmoral for the kids to run around and play.”

While staying at the queen’s private and massive summer home — which has been in the royal family since 1852 — Elizabeth’s great-grandchildren have been enjoying other activities as well. George, 7, loves “picking vegetables from gardens for supper,” the source dishes.

As for Charlotte, the 5-year-old thoroughly enjoyed “visiting the stables and seeing her great-grandmother’s horses,” the insider notes. “She rode a pony (with assistance) and hasn’t stopped talking about it since.”

Elizabeth and her royal family members may be making up for lost time while they were in quarantine since earlier this year, but the source insists they’re not willing to take any chances amid the ongoing outbreak. “They’re taking strict social distancing precautions and the Cambridges are staying in a separate building within the estate,” the source shares.

Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge family Christmas card, Norfolk, UK - 25 Dec 2019
The Duchess of Cambridge/Shutterstock

Prior to their family getaway at Balmoral, Elizabeth was quarantining with her longtime husband, Philip, 99, at Windsor Castle. Although the former princess was yearning to see her children and grandkids, a previous source told Closer they were keeping in touch with Zoom calls.

“Her face lights up when she sees her great-grandchildren on a video call,” the insider revealed in mid-June. The iconic royal was also “making the most of the free time” by doing some of her favorite activities.

“[She’s been] horse-riding, walking the dogs, [or] taking her time over afternoon tea at 3 p.m.,” the source explained. “The queen is a real country girl at heart and loves being outdoors. She’s also enjoying dressing down for a change!”

Reporting by Natalie Posner