King Charles surprised a small Scottish village with a visit to one of its oldest businesses.
On Tuesday, April 14, the monarch visited George Stratchan Limited, a small general store that sells magazines, food and drinks (known as “newsagents” in the United Kingdom). According to Hello!, the shop is located in Aboyne, Scotland — only a 30-minute drive from the royal family’s longtime residence Balmoral Castle.
Balmoral, a 50,000-acre estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, has been the royal family’s summer escape since the time of Queen Victoria, whose husband, Prince Albert, purchased the property in 1852. The late Queen Elizabeth, Charles’ mother, often spent entire summers there, joined by members of the royal family, including her children and her grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry.
Hello! reported that King Charles, 77, told locals in Aboyne that he used to visit George Stratchan Limited during his childhood summers at Balmoral.
During his visit, the king celebrated the business’s 100th anniversary, reportedly meeting with members of the shop’s staff and members of the Stratchan family.
The Black Faced Sheep, a nearby café in Aboyne, posted about the visit on their social media page.
“What a well-deserved honor for you to have The King visit on your birthday,” the post read. “It was so lovely to have members of the community outside to share your 100-year celebration, and the exciting visit from The King.”
The surprise outing marked King Charles’ first public appearance since members of the royal family attended an Easter service on Sunday, April 5.
The King and his wife, Queen Camilla, were joined at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle by Kate Middleton, Prince William, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, among others.
Can’t get enough of PEOPLE’s Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
Queen Camilla and King Charles attend Easter service.Lewis Langstaff-Wood/Alamy
It’s the beginning of a busy season for the King and Queen. Starting on Monday, April 20, King Charles will attend a series of events recognizing what would have been Queen Elizabeth’s 100th birthday on April 21.
On April 20, King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the new Royal Collection Trust exhibit, Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, at the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Then, on Tuesday, April 21, King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family will view the design recommendations for The Queen Elizabeth Memorial at the British Museum.
The festivities will conclude with a reception at Buckingham Palace on April 21, hosted by the King, Queen and other members of the royal family.
One week later, the monarch will head to the United States, for a visit tied to the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence from the U.K. King Charles and Queen Camilla will take place in several events across Washington D.C., New York City and Virginia — including making an address to Congress.
From the U.S., the couple will then head to Bermuda, marking King Charles’ first trip as monarch to an overseas British territory.
