Inside The Queen And Prince Philip's Scottish Vacation Home Balmoral Castle

Jul 22, 2020

The Queen and Prince Philip are preparing to relocate from Windsor Castle, where they've spent the last four months, to their summer residence—supposedly one of the Queen's favorite places in the world, Balmoral Castle. 

The public has rarely seen inside Balmoral Castle, which is owned by the royal family themselves, unlike their other residences such as Buckingham Palace. However, there are some rare photos of the estate from when the Queen has hosted garden parties with prestigious guests. Let's take a look at the historic residence.

Located in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire in Scotland, the British royal family has been spending their summer holidays at Balmoral Castle for over 100 years. First purchased in 1852 by Prince Albert as a gift for Queen Victoria, the residence has been beloved by the royal family ever since.

Queen Elizabeth II usually begins her stay at Balmoral in Craigowan Lodge, a seven-bedroom property on the premises, as the rest of the castle is still open to the public. Then in August, she moves into the main house. Other royal family members are expected to join the Queen and Prince Philip this summer, including Prince Charles and Camilla, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

In September 2017 the Queen hosted General Sir Peter Cosgrove, the Governor-General of Australia. Taking place in the drawing room of Balmoral Castle, the room's green color scheme extends to the carpet, curtains, and sofas, while wooden furnishings and gold accents offset the tones. Traditional details include a log burning fire at the room's center and an antique clock on the fireplace mantel. Here, the Queen is seen wearing a tartan skirt, in honor of being in Scotland.

Here, the Queen is photographed meeting with Canadian Governor-General Designate Julie Payette. Similar to the drawing room, the study features green carpets and sofas, as well as a fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves line the walls, while a flat-screen TV provides entertainment for relaxing. Once again Her Majesty has opted for a tartan skirt, honoring Balmoral's Scottish location.

Pictured here at a garden party the Queen hosted in 2012, the formal gardens span three hours. Many guests can be seen donning traditional Scottish kilts for the event. One of Prince Philip's favorite spots, the Duke of Edinburgh incorporated a large kitchen garden that is harvested during the royal family's summer holiday each year, between August and October.

Also on the property is a large conservatory that houses flowering pot plants, while a range of Victorian glasshouses is also on the property. 

The Garden Cottage

Not visible in this photo, but Balmoral includes a garden cottage on the grounds, where Queen Victoria would take her breakfast and write in her diary. Queen Victoria once described Balmoral as "my dear paradise in the Highlands."

What do you think of Balmoral Castle, the Queen's summer holiday home? Let us know your thoughts down below, then be sure to pass this on to any royal fans!