Prince Philip has been blocked from his favourite summer activity

The Queen and Prince Philip usually spend the British summer at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, and that's still the plan, however the Queen has been forced to ban barbecues due to a heatwave that has increased the danger of fire.

That means Prince Philip won't be able to barbecue, something he loves to do.

Scotland had its highest temperature ever recorded, with 33.2C reached on 28 June in Motherwell. Meanwhile, temperatures are set to stay high across most of the UK over the next fortnight, prompting the estate to confirm the ban on its official Facebook page. 

Visitors have reported seeing Prince Philip grilling sausages over a barbecue while the Queen washes up.

Balmoral's housekeeper Sheena Stuart said the royal couple often host informal gatherings over the summer.

"The Duke, he cooks, the Queen sets up the table," she told BBC's Countryfile.

"There are no staff that come out to serve."

This summer the couple will have to settle for picnics and informal lunches and dinners that don't involve Prince Philip cooking up a storm.

Balmoral Castle is part of a stunning estate and the perfect place for the Queen and Prince Philip's grandchildren to spend time.

Princess Eugenie, daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, has previously spoken about the estate on ITV's Our Queen At Ninety, saying her grandparents often go for walks on the estate with their dogs.

"It's the most beautiful place on earth," she said. "I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands."