King Charles III Welcomes Public to Balmoral Castle, the Historic Royal Getaway

Feature King Charles Is Giving the Public Unprecedented Access to Balmoral Castle

King Charles III Karwai Tang/WireImage

For the first time ever, a piece of royal history has been revealed to the public. King Charles III has decided to open the doors of Scotland's Balmoral Castle, a beloved vacation destination for the royal family. According to the castle's website, visitors can now enjoy a private tour led by experienced guides. These guides will take you on a fascinating journey through the beautiful rooms of Balmoral Castle, which has been completed since 1855.

The guided tour, currently sold out, costs $126 per person. An additional option is available to include afternoon tea for $189.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the three-story home, which is said to have 167 rooms. During the tour, guests will learn about the history of the estate and journey through time from when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased Balmoral to the present day. They can also observe how rooms in the Castle are currently used by the Royal Family.

Guests on the excursion will have the opportunity to see King Charles’ watercolor collection showcasing scenes from Balmoral, Highgrove, and Sandringham. Additionally, visitors can admire a display of outfits worn by King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the late Queen Elizabeth II.

King Charles Is Giving the Public Unprecedented Access to Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle, often chosen as the Windsors' yearly private getaway, held a special spot in Queen Elizabeth's heart. It was where she passed away peacefully in September 2022. In the documentary Our Queen at Ninety, Princess Eugenie expressed, "I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands."

She mentioned that Balmoral is a place filled with walks, picnics, and lots of dogs. It's a lovely spot for Granny and Grandpa, where they can relax and enjoy some fresh air.

In 1997, Balmoral Castle became known as the place where Prince Harry and Prince William found out about their mother's tragic accident. Harry, now 39, shared in his memoir that he woke up to see Prince Charles in his white dressing-gown, looking like a ghost in a play.

Charles sat on the edge of the bed and gently told his son, "Sweetheart, Mommy was in a car accident."

Despite the painful memories, Harry fondly recalled his time at the castle, calling it a "special paradise" that felt like a mix of Disney World and a magical Druid grove. He also mentioned some of the quirky stories about the estate, like how Queen Victoria, overwhelmed with sadness after Prince Albert's death, locked herself inside Balmoral Castle and refused to leave.

“What I’m trying to say is, I was happy there,” Harry wrote. “In fact, it’s possible that I was never happier than that one golden summer day at Balmoral: August 30, 1997.”

Editor's P/S:

The opening of Balmoral Castle to the public offers an unprecedented glimpse into the private world of the British monarchy. Guided tours showcase the castle's rich history, from Queen Victoria's purchase to King Charles III's reign, and provide insights into the royal family's traditions and personal lives. Visitors can marvel at King Charles' watercolor collection and admire outfits worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II, gaining a deeper understanding of the family's artistic and sartorial tastes.

Beyond its historical significance, Balmoral Castle holds emotional resonance as a place of both joy and sorrow for the royal family. Queen Elizabeth II cherished her time there, finding solace and relaxation in the castle's idyllic surroundings. Conversely, it was the site where Princes William and Harry learned of their mother's tragic passing, forever etching the castle's name into their hearts. By sharing these intimate glimpses of Balmoral Castle, King Charles III not only reveals a piece of royal history but also connects the public to the human experiences of the British monarchy.