The last picture; Queen at Balmoral (Image: Getty )
As today marks the first anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, we take a look at Balmoral Castle and the surrounding area she loved so much.
Every summer the Queen made her annual pilgrimage (usually by train) to Balmoral - her private retreat. It was here that she could spend sacred time with her entire family, totally relaxed.
It is also where she passed away a year ago today. It seems only fitting that King Charles and Queen Camilla should be there today marking the sombre occasion privately.
They did, however, attend a special service at Crathie Church this morning, a place where the Queen worshipped every Sunday.
In a documentary marking her 90th year, Princess Eugenie said, “I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands”.
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King Charles at Crathie church for private service today (Image: Getty )
Prince Charles enjoys walking there too, painting and even helping his father tend the barbeques when he was younger. You can understand why this is a much-loved retreat - the grounds and surrounds are nothing short of breathtaking.
The whole estate stretches across 50,000 acres so there’s plenty of privacy available for the Royal Family.
The castle sits between the Royal Deeside villages of Braemar (where the Highland Games have just been held and which the Queen loved) and Ballater. it sits within the Cairngorms National Park.
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The King with Princes William and Harry at Balmoral (Image: Getty )
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The Queen and Prince Philip enjoying a walk (Image: Getty )
The Royal family at Balmoral (Image: Getty )
Prince Albert bought Balmoral for himself and his wife, Queen Victoria, reportedly paying ￡32,000 to acquire the estate, the equivalent of just ￡5,715,561.50.
The property is owned privately by King Charles III, and it covers 50,000 including valleys, lochs, and mountains. Despite inheriting this estate as just a part of his enormous inheritance from his mother, King Charles III paid zero inheritance tax.
The original building doesn’t stand anymore as Prince Albert thought that it wasn’t big enough for the Royal Family’s needs. He had it demolished and built another over the next four years in Scots Baronial style.
Can you visit Balmoral?
The general public can only visit certain times of the year - usually between April and the beginning of August. It’s relatively small so not a lot of the rooms are open but you can certainly get a glimpse into royal life here.
An entrance hall is decorated with antlers which leads onto the ballroom, the one main room that is open which features revolving exhibitions.
In photographs, you can see the private rooms. It appears cozy rather than grand with wooden bookshelves, vast marble fireplaces and green carpet. The castle also has an estimated 52 bedrooms though it doesn’t feel that large.
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The Royal Family relaxing on the lawn in front of Balmoral Castle (Image: Getty )
Prince William and his dog at Balmoral (Image: Getty )
There are many reception rooms - again comfortably, rather than lavishly, furnished. It was in one of these that the last photos of Queen Elizabeth were taken.
It is said that the Queen, felt so comfortable at Balmoral, she even did her own washing up after a family barbeque. It is a working estate that includes forestry land, farmland, and animals including deer, Highland cattle, and ponies.
The Queen was regularly spotted riding over the grounds and also driving a Range Rover alone visiting one of the many tranquil spots on the property. While you may not see a lot of the castle, you certainly feel the presence of the Royal Family.
The grounds are so peaceful and protected, that you can just imagine the family barbecuing or playing games on the vast lawns - as they do. You can visit the stable buildings and you can wander through the floral gardens which are spread over three acres along with vegetable gardens which the Duke of Edinburgh managed.
Nearby, the town of Ballater has gorgeous little galleries and independent stores as well as a farmers market. It is also the gateway to Cairngorms National Park, home to extraordinary scenery.
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