King Charles is opening up the doors to Balmoral Castle for the first time. Royal fans can soak up the rich history of the swirling estate, known to be the late Queen’s favourite place
For the first time ever, the public will be able to see where the Royal Family spends their summer holidays, as tourists will be able to explore the most private parts of Balmoral Castle.
The historic gothic-revival-style castle has been privately owned by the royals since 1852, after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert first leased it sight unseen four years before that.
it is well known to have been Queen Elizabeth’s favourite of the royal residences and was of course where she spent her final days, before she passed away in September 2022.
Until now, the only insight into what life behind closed doors for the royals came from holiday snapshots released to the public, or detailed descriptions from Prince Harry’s memoir Spare, the opening pages of which described the summer holiday he was enjoying there when his mother Princess Diana tragically died – but now you can take it all in for yourself.
According to Balmoral’s website, tickets for internal tours of the historic castle are on sale from 1 July until 4 August and you will be guided around the Royal Family’s favorite holiday home by an expert who can tell you everything there is to know about the castle’s rich history.
This is sure to become the hottest ticket in town for royal fans looking for a summer adventure – and there is limited availability with only 40 guests able to visit per day. Tickets can also be purchased with a delicious sounding afternoon tea. The tour alone will set you back £100 but if you fancy some sweet treats worthy of a King, it will cost £150.
“For the first time since the Castle was completed in 1855, guests can take part in a private tour with our experienced guides; taking visitors on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle,” Balmoral Estates explains.
“Visitors will learn about the origins of the Castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal Family; from the purchase of the Balmoral Estate by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to the present day, where rooms within the Castle are used today by Their Majesties The King and Queen and members of the Royal Family.”
Much of the impressive building remains in similar condition to when it was originally built – the castle that had been on the grounds when Victoria and Albert bought it wasn’t quite up to size, so they commissioned the one we see today.
Some of King Charles’ watercolour collection will be on display, as will outfits worn by Charles, Camilla, the late Queen Elizabeth, and the Queen Mother.
The Queen’s Building Restaurant is also set to open after refurbishment, and the summer season will include events like a Theatre Day, a Family Cinema Day, and a Great British Dog Walk – and as always the gardens, which have been updated, will be open to the public.
Do you have a story to tell? Email: [email protected]
