Prince Charles Defies Royal Norms with Inaugural Balmoral Castle Tours

King Charles Is Breaking Royal Tradition by Offering First Ever Tours of Balmoral Castle

King Charles Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

King Charles III is making history by allowing tours of Balmoral Castle for the first time ever. The tours, scheduled from July 1 to August 4, were priced at up to $189.51 per person and even include afternoon tea. The tickets sold out within a day, showing a high demand for the tours.

Located along the Dee River in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park, the Balmoral estate has been the Scottish residence of the British royal family since 1852 when Prince Albert purchased it for Queen Victoria. In 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the castle after a reign of 70 years.

According to the tour's ticketing page, visitors will be taken on a historical journey through various beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle.

Buyers can journey through time starting from when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased the Balmoral, all the way to present day. Visitors can witness how rooms within the Castle are currently utilized by Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family.

King Charles Is Breaking Royal Tradition by Offering First Ever Tours of Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

The tour is the latest headline-making news in the royal family’s tumultuous year.

Last month, well-known journalist and royal expert Tina Brown suggested that Prince William could become the King of England sooner than expected. In an article for The New York Times, Brown mentioned that due to Charles' illness, William, who is 41 years old, might be next in line for the throne.

Brown also discussed the current situation of the royal family, particularly after Charles, who is 75 years old, and Princess Kate Middleton were both diagnosed with cancer.

William and Kate, who are set to become king and queen, are reportedly feeling extremely anxious about the prospect, according to Brown. They had hoped to raise their children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - away from public scrutiny, but taking on the throne would alter those plans.

In February, Charles revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer following treatment for an enlarged prostate in the previous month.

A statement from Buckingham Palace mentioned that during The King's recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was discovered. Subsequent diagnostic tests have confirmed a form of cancer. His Majesty has started a schedule of regular treatments and doctors have advised him to postpone public-facing duties for now.

In March 2022, Kate shared that she had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer after a planned abdominal surgery in January.

Editor's P/S:

The opening of Balmoral Castle to the public for tours marks a significant moment in royal history, providing unprecedented access to the beloved summer retreat of the British monarchy. The castle's rich history and the opportunity to experience the grandeur of its interiors first-hand have generated immense enthusiasm, with tickets selling out rapidly. This initiative reflects King Charles III's commitment to sharing the heritage of the royal family with the public.

The article also highlights the complexities within the royal family, particularly the potential for Prince William to ascend to the throne sooner than anticipated due to King Charles' recent cancer diagnosis. The implications for William and Kate, who have expressed a desire for privacy for their children, add another layer of intrigue to the ongoing saga of the British monarchy. The article raises questions about the balance between public duty and personal aspirations, as well as the challenges faced by the royal family in navigating the public spotlight.