UK Royals Open Up Off-Limit Areas Of Palaces For Summer Visitors
In an unprecedented move, the British monarchy announced on Wednesday that it would be opening up previously off-limits areas in two of its most iconic palaces. This summer, visitors will get a rare peek into the private lives of the royals, traditionally hidden behind the grand facades of these historic buildings.
A Royal Invitation: Tea and Tour at Balmoral Castle
For those with a taste for luxury and a deep pocket, a unique opportunity arises. Charles and Camilla are opening areas of the Scottish castle, Balmoral, for the first time to visitors. Access to these exclusive areas, beloved by the royals themselves, won’t come cheap, with prices starting at £150 — an amount that promises an experience unlike any other.
Kingly Gesture: Balmoral’s Inner Sanctums Revealed
King Charles has made a historic decision to allow public access to several rooms within Balmoral Castle that have remained a mystery until now. Royal enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement at the thought of stepping into rooms that have been the setting for numerous royal family personal moments.
Walking Through the Favourite Residence of Queen Elizabeth II
Balmoral Castle, nestled in the heart of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, always held a special place in the late Queen Elizabeth II’s heart. Recognized as her favoured retreat, the castle’s doors are now open from 1 July to 4 August, offering guided tours through its hallowed halls and magnificent ballroom — for a price. While a day visit is priced at £100, those yearning for the complete royal experience, including afternoon tea, will need to part with an extra £50. However, the castle’s extensive grounds and gardens provide a more budget-friendly option for those wishing to soak in the royal ambiance.
This grand opening marks the first time since Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased the estate in 1848 that the public is invited inside Balmoral’s private chambers. The castle, too small for Victoria and Albert’s liking, was expanded, and the new house was completed in 1855. Today, it is not just a residence but a crucial piece of British history, representing centuries of royal tradition.
An Exclusive Glimpse Inside The Royal Family’s Scottish Estate
Following King Charles’s edict, Balmoral Castle, the royal family’s beloved Scottish estate, will welcome the public for the first time since its acquisition in 1852. Visitors will embark on a historical journey, led by experienced guides through the castle’s various rooms, each with its own story. This unique tour reveals the castle’s evolution from its purchase by Queen Victoria to its current status as a cherished holiday home for the royal family. Moreover, guests will have the rare opportunity to view King Charles’s personal watercolor collection and gain insight into why Balmoral remains such a hallowed site within the royal family.
With a price tag of £100 for the standard tour, escalating to £150 for those desiring afternoon tea, these tours are a testament to the royal family’s opening up, allowing us a glimpse into their private world. Scheduled from 1 July until 4 August 2024, and limited to 10 guests per tour, this exclusive opportunity embodies a significant gesture by King Charles, bridging the royal family and the public with unprecedented access to the heart of British royalty.