09/16/2022
In line with Queen Elizabeth's Death, Here is an article.
Balmoral Castle: Everything You Need to Know About Where the Queen Spent Her Final Days
The Scottish holiday home of the British royal family was especially beloved by the late monarch, Queen Elizabeth II
By Madeleine Luckel and Jordi Lippe-McGraw
September 8, 2022
It was a tradition for Queen Elizabeth II to spend part of her summer at Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands. This year was no different, and, with her health declining, the 96-year-old British monarch ended up taking her last breath at the beloved property on September 8, 2022.
Her family, including her son Charles (now officially King Charles III) and grandson Prince William, traveled to Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, to be by her side in her final days at the castle, which was long said to have been her favorite.
So what is interesting about the Queen’s former summer home? Below, we break down what exactly a design buff needs to know about the vacation palace—from its history and architecture to its interiors and surrounding grounds. Queen Elizabeth II did a good job of keeping the extravagant dwelling private, but there are a few interesting design details that have slipped out over the years. (It also served as the setting of an especially memorable episode in Season 4 of The Crown, aptly titled “The Balmoral Test.”)
Where exactly is it?
Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It’s on the River Dee and not far from the Lochnagar Mountain. Balmoral Castle is roughly 500 miles from Buckingham Palace, a nine-hour drive.
Who owns it?
Though official royal residences like Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace are owned by the Crown Estate—which is funded by British taxpayers—Balmoral was Elizabeth’s personal property, inherited through her family. Her only other privately owned residence is Sandringham, located in Norfolk, England.
How long has the British royal family had it?
It was first rented in 1848 and was bought in 1852. It was purchased by Prince Albert for himself and his wife, Queen Victoria. He acquired Balmoral six years after the couple first visited Scotland. It’s been passed down through the royal family ever since.
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The Scottish holiday home of the British Royal Family was especially beloved by the late monarch, Queen Elizabeth II