‘The place is Balmoral Citadel?’ is a well-liked query amongst royal followers who need to know extra concerning the place the place The Queen spends her summer time break.
After it was revealed that The Queen will appoint the following Prime Minister (opens in new tab) at Balmoral – in a break from royal custom – many are curious to know extra concerning the Scottish residence. The choice was taken to supply certainty for the brand new Prime Minister’s diary, as The Queen has been struggling with episodic mobility points (opens in new tab) in latest months.
This yr, Her Majesty first arrived at Balmoral in July (opens in new tab) for the start of her annual summer time break and can probably stay there till October, when she often resumes royal duties. The distant location is a supply of intrigue to many, who need to know the place is Balmoral Citadel and might they go to it?
The place is Balmoral Citadel?
Balmoral Citadel is in Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The Citadel is located proper subsequent to the River Dee and throughout the Cairngorms Nationwide Park, with the closest metropolis being Aberdeen, slightly below 50 miles away.
In addition to the fortress itself, there are a further 150 different buildings on the Balmoral Property, together with Birkhall – the property of Prince Charles and the place The Queen and Prince Philip spent a part of their honeymoon – Craigowan Lodge, and a number of other different cottages.
The distant location permits The Queen to calm down away from royal duties, and he or she has been identified to go horseriding, strolling and luxuriate in barbecues and picnics throughout her time on the property.
Princess Eugenie has beforehand stated of Balmoral: “It is probably the most stunning place on earth. I believe Granny is probably the most comfortable there. I believe she actually, actually loves the Highlands.”
How does The Queen journey to Balmoral?
The Queen often takes a non-public jet to Balmoral – although she has additionally been identified to journey by helicopter – making the journey from England to the east of Scotland.
The Queen historically stays at Balmoral from August to October yearly, although this yr she has been there for the reason that finish of July, and members of the Royal Household are invited to spend time together with her throughout her summer time break.
The Queen often travels from RAF Northolt in west London to Aberdeenshire, and up to now has been pictured boarding the jet together with her beloved Corgis (opens in new tab).
Who owns Balmoral?
Balmoral Citadel is privately owned by The Queen. Of all of the royal residences, it’s only Balmoral and Sandringham, in Norfolk, that The Queen owns herself – the remaining are property of the Crown Property.
Which means someday The Queen might select to promote Balmoral or go it on to a different member of her household.
Balmoral has been the Scottish residence of the Royal Household since 1852, when it was bought by Queen Victoria. In keeping with the Balmoral Citadel web site (opens in new tab), after buying the Balmoral Property Prince Albert determined to construct a brand new Citadel as the present one was thought of not giant sufficient for the Royal Household. The muse stone for Balmoral Citadel was laid by Queen Victoria on twenty eighth September 1853 and it may be discovered on the foot of the wall adjoining to the West face of the doorway porch.
When Queen Victoria died in 1901, Balmoral Property handed on to King Edward VII, and from him to every of his successors.
Inside Balmoral Citadel
Located contained in the 50,000 acres of the Balmoral Property, Balmoral Citadel has an unbelievable 52 bedrooms and a ballroom.
When royal photographers have been allowed contained in the Citadel, it has been famous that a number of of the rooms are embellished with mint inexperienced. One instance is in 2017, when the Queen met with Canadian Governor Basic Designate Julie Payette. The images taken in one of many drawing rooms confirmed gentle inexperienced carpet and an identical inexperienced three-piece furnishings set, in addition to tall bookshelves and a hearth with a mirror above.
That very same yr, Basic Sir Peter Cosgrove, the Governor-Basic of Australia and Girl Cosgrove met the Queen at Balmoral Citadel, and once more photos confirmed a mint inexperienced carpet with matching furnishings and curtains, in addition to an armchair lined in a white, inexperienced and pink fauna material and work in ornate gold frames.
In 2021, following the dying of Prince Philip, the Royal Household launched {a photograph} of The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Balmoral with their grandchildren, taken in 2018. The photograph confirmed them sat on a mint inexperienced couch atop a cream rug, subsequent to a lamp with a turquoise and flowery base.
Are you able to go to Balmoral Citadel?
Sure, you may go to Balmoral Citadel, however solely at sure occasions of the yr and when the Royal Household aren’t in residence.
For 2022, Balmoral guided excursions begin in late October and happen all through November and December. The excursions start on the espresso store and go by way of the Sport Larder, the unique Iron Ballroom and the Ice Home. The Ballroom is is the one room open to guests within the Citadel.
Following the tour, guests are free to wander across the grounds and gardens.
Adults tickets value £16.50, whereas the value for a kid’s ticket (5 to 16 years) is £7.50.
You will discover out extra data at balmoralcastle.com (opens in new tab)
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