The King has shared the significance of Balmoral for the late Queen, referring to it as a truly special place. In a new 80-page guidebook about the Scottish estate, Charles describes Balmoral as a cherished family home with unique features and a precious surrounding landscape. The estate was acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852, who were captivated by the Highlands and built the castle.
Over the years, Balmoral has been a beloved summer getaway for the royal family, with successive monarchs leaving their mark on the castle and grounds. It was where Queen Elizabeth II, Charles’ mother, passed away on September 8, 2022, after a remarkable 70-year reign.
In the guidebook, Charles reflects on the 50,000-acre estate as a place deeply cherished by his family since it was acquired by his great-great-great-grandfather, Prince Albert. He emphasizes the unique character of the buildings and the timeless quality of the landscape, which has been a source of inspiration and solace.
The guidebook includes a watercolor painting of the castle by Charles from 1989. In July 2024, the King opened Balmoral to the public for the first time in over 170 years, making changes to the interior and gardens. Previously, only the ballroom was accessible to the public, hosting yearly exhibitions.
The book, titled “Balmoral” and authored by Mary Miers, discusses the King’s enhancements to the estate, like a new maze on the former ballroom lawn and redesigned wrought-iron gates in Queen Mary’s Garden. Inside the castle, the King has introduced more furniture, paintings, and objects from the Royal Collection.
Miers highlights that Balmoral holds a deeper story beyond Victoria and Albert’s connection to the Highlands, emphasizing the King’s influence on the estate’s architecture, design, and management. The new additions by the King have brought a fresh layer of style while preserving the estate’s original charm.
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