Royal summer getaway opened to public in historic first

In a move that has surprised royal enthusiasts and history buffs alike, King Charles has made a groundbreaking announcement regarding the future of Balmoral Castle, a cherished royal retreat with deep historical roots.

For the first time since its completion in the late 19th century, the Scottish castle will open its doors to the public, offering an intimate glimpse into the private lives of the British monarchy.


Balmoral Castle, nestled in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, has long been associated with the royal family's summer vacations—a sanctuary away from the public eye.

However, starting from July 1 until August 4, before King Charles and Queen Camilla settle in for their seasonal stay, the castle will welcome visitors for exclusive guided tours.


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King Charles announced that Balmoral Castle will be open to the public for guided tours from July 1 until August 4. Credits: Shutterstock


These tours are not your average castle walkabouts.

Limited to a mere 10 people per group and with a daily cap of 40 visitors, the guided ‘castle interior tour’ promises an exceptionally personal experience.

The price tag for such exclusivity is steep, at $193 or $289 with the added luxury of afternoon tea, but the opportunity is proving irresistible to many.


According to Russell Myers, Associate Editor of the United Kingdom's The Daily Mirror, tickets are selling rapidly, with thousands queuing online for the chance to step back in time within the castle's storied walls.

‘I tried to get on to the website earlier—there were 9,000 people in front of me, so no chance,’ he shared.

‘But if you wanted to ever go back in time, this is potentially your opportunity.’

The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the ballroom, described by Myers as 'absolutely magnificent'.

Here, visitors will be treated to an exhibition of Queen Elizabeth II's wardrobe, a poignant tribute to the late monarch's timeless elegance.

Additionally, art aficionados will appreciate the chance to purchase watercolours painted by King Charles himself, featuring the scenic landscapes of Balmoral, Highgrove, and Sandringham.

‘Visitors will get to see an exhibition of some of late Queen Elizabeth II’s clothes and some of King Charles’s watercolours will be on sale,’ Myers said.


Yet, the cost of the tickets raised eyebrows, especially during a time when many are feeling the pinch of a cost-of-living crisis.

The expense may indeed be a 'tall order' for the average person, as Myers pointed out, but for those who can afford it, the tour offers a rare peek into the royal family's private abode.

‘They will take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle,’ Myers narrated.

‘You will learn about the origins of the castle, and how it has been loved by generations of the royal family.’

‘Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to [the] present day, where you can see how rooms within the castle are used today by their Majesty’s The King and Queen and other members of the royal family,’ he added.

In addition to the ballroom, the tour will showcase a collection of outfits worn by Charles and Camilla, the late Queen, and the Queen Mother.

While previous tours of Balmoral have been limited to the grounds, gardens, and partial ballroom access, this new offering marks a significant shift in royal policy.


As discussions surrounding the future of Balmoral Castle unfold, shedding light on the royal family's plans nearly two years after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, there is also a poignant reflection on the intimate moments leading up to her final days.

Through a diary entry that offers a glimpse into the Queen's last moments, which occurred in the castle, one can get a deeper understanding of her legacy and the profound impact of her reign.

These insights into both the future of the royal estate and the personal reflections on Her Majesty's life underscore the enduring significance of the monarchy and the intricate tapestry of history woven within its walls.
Key Takeaways
  • King Charles announced that Balmoral Castle will be open to the public for guided tours for the first time since its completion in 1885.
  • The castle tours will be available from July 1 until August 4 before the royals arrive for the summer and are limited to 40 people per day.
  • Tickets for the tours, which include access to the ballroom and an exhibition of royal attire and King Charles's watercolours, are in high demand.
  • The tours represent a unique opportunity to explore the history of the castle and see areas that have been loved by generations of the royal family, although ticket costs may be prohibitive for some due to the cost-of-living crisis.
What are your thoughts on this royal revelation? Is the steep price worth the unique experience, or does it feel a bit much during these economically challenging times? Have you ever visited Balmoral or other royal residences, and what was your impression?

Share your stories and opinions in the comments below!
 
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The viewing of Balmoral Castle proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the castle and grounds, and staff who do this work.
The castle is and will be a huge tourist attraction for Britan.
Also, the King wears many recycled clothes as does Camilla. Becoming King with all its perks is like winning the lottery. Would any of you give your lottery win away if you won. I think not.
Oh for God's sake, the man's net worth is 2 billion+.

The fortune has been inherited and enhanced over decades.

If he is going to throw the doors open for people to travel through time and get a glimpse of the Royals' holiday home then it would be appropriate to welcome however many people free of charge.
 
why are some nasty? It is a huge property and why should someone enter THEIR property without paying. Do you open your house for free? Me think not. The properties were not built last week. They have been in the family for hundreds of years. So many dumbies around.
Yes I'm sure they've worked and struggled to pay off the mortgages on THEIR properties.

Oh wait, they didn't.
 
I think it would be fantastic to be able to see Balmoral and learn about its history even though it’s not that old. It would be a bit of a stretch to afford it, but compare that to the cost of attending some pop star’s concerts I suppose it’s comparable especially with afternoon tea thrown in. Also been such a favourite if the royal family and where the queen passed away fairly recently
 
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well done King Charles and may your health improve out of sight.
I agree and I must comment that it is disappointing to see the obnoxious comments and criticisms of his opening Balmoral up for people to see. Don’t people understand it’s all about history and not necessarily money?
 
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Does it matter what history it is ? It’s all something that can’t be replaced
Can't be replaced? But soon forgotten.... thankfully.

Have you visited Dachau or Spandau? That is also history that which is in many people's memory, but conveniently forgotten.

And no. I'm not of the Jewish faith in case you need to come back with nasty barbs.
 
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I agree and I must comment that it is disappointing to see the obnoxious comments and criticisms of his opening Balmoral up for people to see. Don’t people understand it’s all about history and not necessarily money?
So he should emphasize the historical value and forgo the charging of a fee.
 
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So, Bill Gates is worth a fortune, so do we stop paying for his product, should he just give it away?
I'd say there was some blood, sweat and tears in Mr Gates' work.

Are you saying the Royals bled, sweated and/or shed tears to gain their fortunes?
 
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I'd say there was some blood, sweat and tears in Mr Gates' work.

Are you saying the Royals bled, sweated and/or shed tears to gain their fortunes?
I think you'll find that the Royal family give plenty of blood, sweat and tears as you put it.
They give a life to service of country and charities, give up their privacy and have every aspect of their lives scrutinized. The Queen dedicated her entire life to her country, and Charles has put his life into a waiting pattern. If you do some research, you will find that Charles earns his own money. The royal family bring wealth to Britian far more than it costs the government. There are many jobs created indirectly for others because of them. The Royal family generate a fortune in tourism alone.
 
As a lifelong monarchist, I would absolutely love to be able to tour Balmoral Castle.
However, on top of flights, accommodation etc, the price of those tickets is way out of reach.
Even if I lived in Britain, I doubt that would be able to do so.

I actually don't see the need for that kind of price. One visitor per day would cover the costs involved.
 
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Camilla needs more hessian bags and help to pay for the panel beating costs.
You nasty,nasty thing
She is a wonderful support for our King. She has fulfilled all of their commitments, on her own, throughout his treatment time.

Her beauty comes from within and many of us see that beauty shining through.
 
I think you'll find that the Royal family give plenty of blood, sweat and tears as you put it.
They give a life to service of country and charities, give up their privacy and have every aspect of their lives scrutinized. The Queen dedicated her entire life to her country, and Charles has put his life into a waiting pattern. If you do some research, you will find that Charles earns his own money. The royal family bring wealth to Britian far more than it costs the government. There are many jobs created indirectly for others because of them. The Royal family generate a fortune in tourism alone.
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Anna ,I have read all that as well, of course the taxpayer pays toward the Monarchy, but the Monarchy brings wealth to Britan as well. Yes, they receive money from rental of land so do plenty of others. And yes, I have read history as well, that's how we all got to where we are today, it's in the past. Not the product of this king. If there is no Monarchy in Britan tourism would suffer greatly. I am interested in what you think the solution is. Would you give your wealth away, inherited or not?
 
Can't be replaced? But soon forgotten.... thankfully.

Have you visited Dachau or Spandau? That is also history that which is in many people's memory, but conveniently forgotten.

And no. I'm not of the Jewish faith in case you need to come back with nasty barbs.
No I haven’t visited Dachau or any of the hideous concentration camps and I have not forgotten for one moment te exterminationo of at least 6,000,000 Jews. At the moment there are considerable films on the ABC and SBS identifying the German practices and beliefs in regards to perfecting their race and eliminating Jews. God forbid that this happens again and we need to be aware and remember what happened. That is why we have a Rememberance Day. LEST WE FORGET
 

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