- author, Louise Horsey
- role, BBC Scotland News
- Reported by Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish residence of the British Royal Family since the 19th century.
But it will forever be remembered in people’s minds across the country as perhaps the last place they saw Queen Elizabeth II.
Who can forget the last public photograph of the late Queen, wearing a warm smile and a cozy cardigan, in front of a roaring fire in the castle’s drawing room?
When I was outside this room, I realized this was a part of history.
BBC Scotland was invited to preview the new Balmoral Castle tour.
From Monday, the public will be able to see parts of the Category A listed building that no one has ever seen before except family and invited guests.
Tickets weren’t cheap at £100 (£150 with afternoon tea) and sold out within 24 hours of going on sale in April.
The tour begins at the castle’s grand battlemented porte-cochere, wide enough for a horse-drawn carriage to pass through.
After a brief introduction, we were ushered into the entrance hall.
The walls are lined with 22 stuffed deer heads and there’s also a bronze statue of Malcolm of Canmore, the 11th-century king who is said to have killed Macbeth.
There is also a bust of Queen Victoria, testament to the Queen’s influence felt throughout the castle.
But what I quickly realized is that this is home.
Image source, Balmoral Castle Tourist Board/PA Wire
It’s grand, but smaller than you’d expect, and the fishing poles and walking sticks stacked against the walls instantly conjure images of King Charles walking through the fields, or Princess Diana’s engagement photograph hanging beside the River Dee.
Our guide led us through the Red Corridor, past a life-sized statue of Prince Albert that can be rotated.
Apparently, a heartbroken Victoria had staff turn the sculpture around so that she could see her beloved husband when she was upstairs.
There is also a large dinner gong, which is said to have links going back to the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar.
Commissioned by Queen Victoria in 1887, this flock wallpaper features crowns, thistles and the initials “VRI,” standing for “Queen Victoria and Empress.”
Image source, Balmoral Castle Tourist Board/PA Wire
Image source, Balmoral Castle Tourist Board/PA Wire
Next is the Main Dining Room, where the King hosts dinners and entertains his family and guests.
Nearly every British prime minister has dined there, as well as US presidents Eisenhower and Florence Nightingale.
Large portraits of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert hang at either end, and in keeping with the Scottish theme, the curtains are done in Royal Stewart tartan.
You will then walk through the Page Lobby to the Family Dining Room, used for royal breakfasts and afternoon teas.
Just before we reached the Drawing Room, our guide explained that this was the last public photograph taken of the Queen, when she appointed Liz Truss as the new Prime Minister.
Image source, Jane Barlow/PA Wire
When I walked in and saw the fireplace and the green sofa, the significance of this room struck me.
I was fully aware that I was in a space where royalty has lived, where so many dignitaries have visited, and where history will go down.
I remember thinking, “This is the room.”
The overwhelming impression was that this was a family home, and I could picture the late Queen sitting by the fireplace with other members of the Royal Family.
Floral-print furniture creates a cosy atmosphere.
Antique pieces like a mantel clock and deer-head candelabra sit alongside more contemporary touches, and what were previously two cabinets have been converted into speakers.
Above the grand piano are framed photographs of King Charles, Camilla Parker, Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother.
Books on the stands include novels by PD James;
Image source, Balmoral Castle Tourist Board/PA Wire
The final room on the tour is the library.
It reportedly serves as the King’s personal study and also hosts meetings for many of his dignitaries.
There is a wide variety of books available, including books on Scottish history, Highland clans, Prince Albert’s speeches and more.
After the tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore the Grand Ballroom.
It is perhaps the most famous room at Balmoral and is famous for the Gillies Ball, held annually by the Royal Family to thank staff for their service.
A collection of King Charles’ Royal Deeside watercolours is on display
Costumes worn by the King and Queen, Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Mother are also on display.
Outside the castle, the surrounding gardens are beautifully landscaped with hundreds of trees planted by King Charles himself.
The Queen has also commissioned the installation of a thistle maze, which is still in its early stages but is open to the public.
Balmoral Castle is deeply rooted in Scottish tradition and is home to many references to its rich royal history.
The tour gives the public a glimpse into a more private side of the Royal Family as they holiday in Aberdeenshire.
And it’s easy to see why this is where Queen Elizabeth II is said to feel most at home.
The tour runs from Monday 1st July to Sunday 4th August.
