Live Like a Royal: Balmoral
While we’ve talked about international royal vacation spots before, a closer look is needed at the royal homes within the U.K. that the Queen visits each year. Christmas is marked by the whole family at Sandringham, but for the summer holidays, they migrate north to Scotland and Balmoral Castle. It’s said to be the Queen’s favorite home and her annual visit also helps to show her support of Scotland as a critical part of the nation.
History
Queen Victoria with her children at Balmoral
Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria originally bought Balmoral and made it royal residence in 1852. The original castle was a little bit small, so they commissioned a new building, which is the current castle. Because it was bought by Albert, the home has remained private property and isn’t part of the Crown Estate, which has financial obligations to the government.
Along with Sandringham in Norfolk (where the Queen typically spends the winter holidays), Balmoral was inherited by Edward VIII in 1936 and he retained ownership when he abdicated the throne a year later. Eventually, his brother George VI purchased Sandringham and Balmoral, then leaving them to the Queen.
The Grounds
A view of the exterior
Originally, the castle was built by architect William Smith of Aberdeen, but the estate has been added to by the family over the years, now covering around 50,000 acres of land. The property includes a dairy farm, herds of livestock such as Highland cattle and ponies.
The grounds contain approximately 150 buildings, including Birkhall, where Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall stay when they visit during the summer holidays. During the Coronavirus outbreak, they even chose to quarantine there! There are other smaller residences where staff and extended family stay when they visit.
When Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip took over ownership, the Duke of Edinburgh planted a large vegetable garden, started an oak plantation, built a flowered paved walkway, and made a water garden.
Royal Visits
Her Majesty the Queen with the Duke of Edinburgh and their three oldest children
Balmoral is widely thought to be the Queen’s favorite residence and she regularly takes a long break over to summer to visit there. Additionally, as it’s located in Scotland it helps to show her support of the entire United Kingdom. With few public duties while she is there, the monarch can relax and spend time with her family members, most of whom will make the trip to spend a week or two up there.
Beyond the Queen, Balmoral has played an important role in the story of Princess Diana, serving as the destination her honeymoon with Prince Charles. It's also where Prince Harry and Prince William were when they learned about Diana’s tragic death in 1997.