Balmoral Today
Balmoral Castle and Estate has been the Highland Home of the Royal Family since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert completed the purchase of the Estate in 1852.
Today, Balmoral offers every generation of the Royal Family a treasured retreat to enjoy a much-needed break of pace in the tranquil surroundings of the Scottish Highlands.
His Majesty, King Charles III has enjoyed summers at Balmoral throughout his entire life, and a visit to the Highland home has become a cherished part of his year.
Under the guidance of His Majesty King Charles III, Balmoral Castle opened its doors to the public in 2024, offering an exclusive look inside the Royal Family’s Scottish private residence for the very first time.
HM King Charles III, 1986“What I love about Balmoral, and this sketch was done in August, is the wonderful shadows. They, alone, made my painting finger itch, so I sat out in a field on three consecutive days at exactly the same time of day, being examined by some rather inquisitive Highland cows.”
The Watercolour Collection
Our specially-created Watercolour Collection focuses on the King’s passion for Balmoral and features this beautiful painting he created in 1989, documenting the majesty of the landscape of the estate during the height of summer.
A new era
His Majesty’s decision to open parts of the Estate and Castle Grounds for much of the year marks a remarkable evolution into a new era, guided by the spirit of openness, sustainability, and heritage.
While remaining true to Balmoral’s legacy as a cherished Royal home, the castle and estate have never been more welcoming. Visitors now have the chance to explore areas inside the castle, as well as immerse themselves in the estate's abundant wildlife, rich culture, and masterful craftsmanship.
Their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, are thoughtfully considering the entire estate and its impact on the local community. Their dedicated investment is fostering opportunities in rural Scotland, playing a significant role in sustaining the Highlands.
King Charles III shares a deep commitment to preserving the Caledonian Forest, saying, “For me, one of the most precious, and almost sacred, parts of the countryside around Balmoral is an area of ancient woodland which forms one of the few remnants of the great Caledonian forest that used to cover much of the Highlands. The fact that this part of it still exists at Balmoral is entirely due to the intervention of my great-great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.”
Their Majesties are committed to protecting wildlife and collaborating with local producers and suppliers to offer authentic products and ingredients in our gift shop and restaurant. This commitment ensures that our visitors, both local and international, can enjoy a genuine experience that highlights the very best of Scotland.
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