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King Charles makes historic change to Balmoral

King Charles has made a historic change to Balmoral for the first time ever, allowing the public for an exclusive look inside the royal residence. Later this year, the King will allow public tours of the Scottish castle, with small group tours available to be led by expert royal guides. Those being shown around the royal residence will get a unique glimpse in several rooms used by the King and Queen. A source close to the royal family said the initiative was in line with the King's wish to make royal residences more accessible to the public. It also reflects Charles' comments made after Queen Elizabeth's death, that the house had been earmarked as a place for the public to remember her. While Balmoral holds a lot of historical importance, the Scottish residence is not set up to handle a large influx of tourists. As a result, a month-long tour programme to begin in July will serve as a trial period to see how the castle and staff copes with increased footfall. Until now, the interior of the vast castle has largely remained out of bounds to members of the public, with tours limited to just the ballroom, the grounds and the gardens. The Balmoral estate announced the tours on Tuesday on its <a href="https://www.balmoralcastle.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>, stating, "For the first time since the castle was completed in 1855, we have been granted permission to take you on a private tour with our experienced guides." "They will take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle. You will learn about the origins of the Castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal family." "You will see why Balmoral is such a special place - the much loved and celebrated Highland home of the Royal family." Only forty tickets each day will be sold for the "castle interior tour" for £100 ($193 AUD), or £150 ($289 AUD) if afternoon tea is included. The tours will take place from July 1st until August 4th, before the King and Queen arrive for their annual break. The season begins later this year due to the refurbishment of the restaurant but if successful, the opening hours will likely be extended in the future. Image credits: Getty Images

International Travel

King Charles delights cyclists with surprise encounter

A group of cyclists have caught the heartwarming moment they bumped into King Charles on camera. The royal was hiking alone near Balmoral estate when he passed by the group of mountain bikers, and in typical British fashion, started talking to them about the weather, and sharing his most cherished memories on the estate. The video, posted on mountain biker Andrew McAvoy's YouTube channel McTrail Rider, racked up over 310,000 views in just two days. "I think Charlie boy is here because there's guards down there with big assault rifles and stuff like that - it looks pretty cool," McAvoy said just before he started his trail. "They probably wouldn't do that if no one important was here." Not long after he spotted a walked in the distance and added: "I think that's a minor royal," before the realisation set in that it was in fact the King himself. The King stopped and started chatting with the group of cyclists, with McAvoy sharing that he and his friends were staying at he Royal Lochnagar Distillery, and were heading for Gelder Shiel - also known as Ernie's Bothy or the Royal Bothy - a public shelter used by hillwalkers. "We'll be staying in the bothy tonight," McAvoy said. "So good. I'm so glad it works. I think because it's is really nice. We renovated recently, but I'm trying to get more trees," Charles replied. "Yeah, it's looking looking lush compared to what it was two years ago. Do you ever stay there?" McAvoy added. "No we used to with my father and sister. It's occasionally used nowadays by another generation," Charles said. When asked if he was still on his summer holiday the monarch replied: "Yes. It is wonderful up here. The midges are horrendous. It's typical." The King added that he liked walking because it was "good for the soul" despite a somewhat colder Scottish summer this year. They then bid their farewells, with the King showing his sense of humour saying: "Take care, don't fall off!" <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QABiQFWwXHg?si=oYHjQOwz997qnPRg" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> After their brief encounter, McAvoy and his friends couldn't help but comment on "what a nice man" Charles was. "Lovely man had time for us. Nice. I'm annoyed because I didn't want to care, but that was nice." The cyclist added: "He's a nice man. He's walking when everyone else is driving. "I'm just perplexed. It'd be one thing to like see the King with everyone - he was just wandering down the trail on his own." The Balmoral estate is generally open to the public from April to July each year, with access to the castle grounds being allowed on certain dates from September to December from this year. <em style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, Rubik, 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">Images: McTrail Rider YouTube

International Travel

Royal family's 175-year-old right to hunt comes to an end

The royal family can no longer hunt at the five-century old Abergeldie Estate that is next door to Balmoral Castle. Abergeldie's new owner, Alastair Storey, has terminated the royal family's sporting rights lease, established by Prince Albert in 1852, which means they can no longer go hunting, deer stalking or fishing at the estate, ending the 175-year-old tradition. Storey reportedly has plans to "transform" buildings on the estate into private accommodation and hunting lodges, according to the Daily Telegraph. Planning documents filed with Aberdeenshire council confirmed this: "For the last 175 years the Royal family have leased the sporting rights at Abergeldie but this has now ceased, and will be actively run by the new Laird. "To facilitate the transformation and to effectively run the estate, new facilities will be required." The documents also stated that the buildings around the farmhouse "facilitate accommodation for the running of the estate and will include a social space for paying visitors to support the sporting activities on the estate". This is a huge change from the original agreements Prince Albert drew up with the Gordon family, who previously owned the estate. This also comes after the late Queen agreed to pay more for the shooting and hunting rights on the sporting estate 25 years ago, after she was asked to increase the nominal rent that was being paid by the royal family for access. The 11,532-acre estate is nestled between the late Queen Elizabeth's former estate and the King's residence, Birkhall. It was sold in 2021 after the death of the 21st Baron of Abergeldie, John Gordon - who was also a friend of the late monarch - to Storey, who bought the estate for £23 million. Although Storey purchased 34 properties dotted around the vast estate, he has not bought out Abergeldie Castle, which still belongs to the Gordon family. Storey, 70, is a Scottish businessman and chief executive of WSH, and was labelled the "most influential man in the UK hospitality industry" in 2012. He was made an Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth in 2017. Images: Getty

Family & Pets

Queen Elizabeth extends olive branch to Sussexes

Queen Elizabeth II has extended an offer to her grandson Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to join her for a break over the summer. Despite tensions amongst the royal family, the Queen invited the US-based Sussexes to stay with her at Craigowan Lodge in Balmoral. The Queen is expected to stay there for 10 weeks at the seven bedroom house and will have various family members join her. When and if the Sussexes accept her offer, it is expected that no other royals will be present, The Sun reported. “Staff have been told to expect the full list of royals including Harry, Meghan and their children Archie and Lilibet,” a Balmoral insider told the publication. “They are preparing for the Sussexes.” The Sussexes were in the UK from the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and spent only a limited time with the Queen in which she met their daughter Lilibet. It’s expected that the trip to Balmoral will give them quality family time. Images: Getty

Relationships

Queen Elizabeth declines Oldie of the Year Award

Over her 95 years, the Queen has received many prestigious accolades. But she is refusing to accept the Oldie of the Year award, saying she doesn't think she meets the criteria. Her Majesty has "politely but firmly" turned down the award, which is given each year to celebrate the achievements of members of the older generations who have made a special contribution to public life. She sent the organisers of the awards her "warmest best wishes", along with saying "you are as old as you feel". Author and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth, who is chairman of the awards, wrote to the Queen's office inquiring if she would accept the award, with her platinum jubilee to be celebrated next year. However, in a letter published in the November issue of the Oldie magazine, the Queen's assistant private secretary Tom Laing-Baker wrote, "Her Majesty believes you are as old as you feel, as such the Queen does not believe she meets the relevant criteria to be able to accept, and hopes you will find a more worthy recipient.” In the end, the main Oldie of the Year award went to the French-American actor and dancer Leslie Caron, who at 90 is five years younger than the Queen. The former England footballer Sir Geoff Hurst, 79, won the Oldie Golden Boot of the Year, while the celebrity cook and TV presenter Delia Smith, 80, was presented with the Truly Scrumptious Oldie award. Gyles Brandreth was delighted to receive the letter from Balmoral Castle, writing, “Perhaps in the future we will sound out Her Majesty once more.” Image credits: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

Queen enjoys a week with the grandchildren at Balmoral

The Queen has spent a very special week with Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children at Balmoral - a place which holds many fond memories for the Queen of all the times she visited with Prince Philip at her side. Over the week, the Queen and her extended family enjoyed fishing, riding horses and hiking according to a royal insider. Prince William, 38, and Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis all attended. It was a time for the Cambridges to spend some 'special time' with the monarch. It’s thought this special week at the Queen’s Scottish estate in Aberdeenshire over the Bank Holiday weekend would have 'lifted the monarch's spirits.' But at the same time, it would be ‘bittersweet’ for the Queen as it’s the first time she’ll be hosting a family gathering at Balmoral without Prince Philip. First time the family has visited since Prince Philip’s death Writing in Vanity Fair, Katie Nicholl revealed the occasion marked the first time the family had been able to come together for a trip since Prince Philip's death in April. Meanwhile another insider revealed the annual trip over the last week of August had become a tradition for the family, with the monarch reserving the Bank Holiday weekend for time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They said: 'In the past it has turned into one big sleepover with lots of the Queen's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her Majesty enjoys it immensely.' The royal expert also reported the Queen has been known to leave gifts for her grandchildren on their beds during their stay at Balmoral. The monarch arrived at the Aberdeenshire estate in late July and typically remains until early October. It comes after a source claimed the Queen was 'itching for things to get back to normal' during her annual break and she hoped to host a BBQ for the royal family at the castle. Fergie and Prince Andrew are coming as well It was also revealed Fergie was invited to stay at the Queen's Scottish retreat this summer as well. ‘Sarah Ferguson is coming,' the source said. 'She will be here with Andrew.' It's not clear whether Fergie and Andrew will be joined by their daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.10047846889955px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843650/prince-philip-and-queen-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ea6723b72c024dc5904081bbe490f301" /> No doubt this holiday will be bittersweet The stay at Balmoral will no doubt be bittersweet for the Queen, who has many fond memories of her time spent at the estate with her late husband. While never truly off duty it was the closest the Queen and Prince Philip would come to a real holiday. There have been reports of raucous, drink-fuelled evenings and jovial house parties, and quiet days with old-fashioned parlour games by the fire. In April, the Queen released a very special photograph of herself and Prince Philip in the hills near Balmoral, giving us another special insight into how much they enjoyed their time at the estate. Image: Instagram

Family & Pets

Queen stays at Balmoral despite staff member testing positive

Despite a member of the Queen’s staff at her Balmoral summer estate, testing positive for COVID-19, the Queen has decided she will be “carrying on at Balmoral as normal” a source claims. Her Majesty, 95, is double-vaccinated and she’s decided to stay on at Balmoral while the employee who tested positive was sent home on Saturday. Spokespeople for Buckingham Palace in London have said all the staff at Balmoral are tested for COVID on a daily basis and are wearing facemasks at all times. But royal insiders suggest the Queen and her family could be waiting for the results of their own PCR tests. Staying in her beloved Scottish sanctuary It’s been reported her Majesty decided to stay in Scotland so she could ‘get back to normal,' following the death of Prince Philip in April and the public spats between Buckingham Palace and Harry and Meghan. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/200733da73f04977b0c6c98781030eb8" /><img style="width: 345.21484375px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843241/the-queen-um-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/200733da73f04977b0c6c98781030eb8" /> The monarch, who once described COVID as a “plague sweeping the planet”, has her Scottish castle full of relatives including Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, Princess Beatrice and husband Edoardo Mozzi, and Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children are expected to arrive later this month. Scotland has been a welcome retreat for the royal family since Queen Victoria's day, with the Windsors relaxing and enjoying country pursuits in the stunning setting of the Scottish Highlands. Sources have reported that since the employee came up positive on Saturday, most staff were sent home and the staff canteen and bar were shut. The royals themselves are “pretty much carrying on as they were” before the positive test. However, the Queen and her family missed Sunday's church service on the Scottish estate - with insiders suggesting they may have done so while they wait for the results of their Covid PCR tests. Under government guidance, people in England and Northern Ireland who have had two COVID vaccine doses, no longer have to self-isolate if they come into contact with someone who has tested positive. Instead of undergoing 10 days of house-arrest, they are now advised to take a PCR test. They are also advised to wear facemasks in enclosed spaces and to limit contact with others, particularly the clinically vulnerable. Photo: Getty Images

International Travel

Queen Elizabeth makes her first appearance since leaving the public eye

It has been a long while since fans have been able to see Her Majesty, but the royal has been spotted in public for the first time since coronavirus lockdown restrictions began in the United Kingdom. The Queen was photographed riding her 14-year-old Fell Pony, Balmoral Fern, within the grounds of her Windsor Castle residence. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🐴 The Queen is pictured riding Fern - a 14 year old Fell Pony - in Windsor Home Park this weekend. <a href="https://t.co/z9DUnW9yB3">pic.twitter.com/z9DUnW9yB3</a> — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1267207217515806729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2020</a></blockquote> The Windsor Grounds have long been a personal favourite of the Queen, who has been a passionate horse keeper and breeder of thoroughbred racehorses for many decades. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said Her Majesty has enjoyed riding since childhood and has been actively involved with the welfare of the horses she owns for breeding, riding and racing. Her Majesty has not been spotted in public since when she was driven from Buckingham Palace in London to her Windsor Castle property. The royal has delayed all of her official duties but has been keeping up with her weekly audiences with the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson via phone call. The Queen has also made two televised addresses to the public to address concerns over the new virus lockdown.

Family & Pets

Queen “fuming” over David Cameron's tell-all memoir

The former British Prime Minister David Cameron has landed himself in hot water with the monarchy over his admission about his relationship with the Queen in his new memoir. The politicians For The Record was published on Thursday, causing a stir as it is the first time the former PM has spoken about the 2016 Brexit referendum and its aftermath. The lengthy autobiography, spanning over 703 pages, has dished out a number of juicy details from his six years in office - from the internal workings of the Conservative Party to the rise of ISIS. However, what left the Queen “displeased” in Mr Cameron’s work was his comments about the 93-year-old Monarch. In a BBC interview which accompanied publication, Mr Cameron said he sought the sovereign’s guidance and help ahead of the 2014 Scottish independence vote. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7830978/david-cameron-queen-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6fde0c8726684ab6a241a887ded780e8" /> Queen Elizabeth greeting David Cameron, 2010. He said he’d asked the Queen whether she could “raise an eyebrow” about what leaving the UK might mean for the Scots. According to Mr Cameron, the discussion with the Queen’s officials was not “anything that would be in any way improper … but just a raising of the eyebrow even … a quarter of an inch.” A royal source stated conversations between Queen Elizabeth and the PM being made public would “serve no one’s interests”. “It makes it very hard for the relationship to thrive,” the palace source said. This wasn’t the only detail to slip about the private affairs between the 93-year-old and the former PM. Mr Cameron wrote details about holidaying at the Queen’s “summer haven,” <a rel="noopener" href="/travel/travel-trouble/a-full-royal-household-how-is-balmoral-castle-handling-all-their-guests" target="_blank">Balmoral Castl</a>e - a place where she would drive at “breakneck speed” across the countryside. His book also said Prince Philip would host barbecues and flip burgers, before cleaning up himself. “Literally, the Queen of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth Realms topping up your drinks, clearing up your plates and washing up,” he wrote. The politician revealed the key preparations for the famous “audience” the Queen has held with every Prime Minister since Winston Churchill. “One: always check the BBC headlines, in case you’ve missed something (I usually turned up just after the 6 o’clock news, and in any event, she is phenomenally well-informed). “Two: always check what’s going on in the horseracing world. A quick call to Tom Goff, my racing expert friend, would bring me up to speed on whether one of the Queen’s horses had won that week, or another had recently had a foal. Her knowledge of the turf is prodigious. “During a separate conversation, the week after my father died, the Queen said how sorry she was, and asked if his horse was running at Windsor that evening. It was. I had absolutely no idea about it, and was completely lost for words.” Mr Cameron added Her Majesty was “better informed than most politicians” and wrote he would always leave with a “spring in his step”. The former country’s leader admitted in an interview with John Humphry, some of his comments about the monarch - particularly the one where he said the Queen “purred down the line” to him after informing her Scotland had voted no to independence - was a “terrible mistake”.

Travel Trouble

Duchess Meghan “disapproves” of the Queen’s Balmoral tradition

Duchess Meghan is set to make her first visit to the Queen’s Scottish estate, Balmoral Castle next week – and royal experts are making predictions as to how the Duchess will deal with the royal family’s traditions in the esteemed residence. While the Duchess of Sussex has adapted well to the royal lifestyle since her wedding to Prince Harry last May, she reportedly “disapproves” of some activities. At Balmoral, the royal family typically participates in outdoor activities such as hunting and fly-fishing. However, it is unclear whether the Duchess, who is a well-known vegan and animal rights activist, will embrace the traditional experience. According to royal writer Robert Jobson, it is likely that the Duchess will try to avoid joining the Queen on any hunts. “It is hunting which is perhaps the biggest passion,” he wrote in the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7412525/Meghan-Markle-Prince-Harry-stay-Queen-Balmoral-Kate-Prince-William.html">Daily Mail UK</a>. “Meghan, however, who rather disproves of such blood sports, may choose to feign a headache.” Last month, it was announced that grouse hunting is cancelled at the Scottish palace this year due to the dwindling number of birds. “Since grouses depend on the greenery from the moors to survive, an infestation has the potential to wipe out the population,” a Balmoral Estate source told the <a href="https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/a28718775/meghan-markle-grouse-hunting-british-royals/">Daily Mail</a>. A source told Express that the cancellation will likely put a damper on the visit. “There’s not much else to do at Balmoral and that’s why so many guests come. It’s a great shame.” Reports after Christmas 2017 claimed that Prince Harry had boycotted the Boxing Day hunting tradition due to his wife’s animal activism, but last year the Duchess reportedly <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/12/meghan-markle-boxing-day-cold-cuts-and-shooting-instagram-friend">attended the hunt</a>.

International Travel

A full royal household: How is Balmoral Castle handling all their guests?

With all the royal members staying at the Queen’s summer residence over the last few weeks, it is a wonder how they are managing all being so close to each other - even if the Summer home is a castle. Each year during the summer, Her Majesty spends time away from London in Scotland’s Highlands, at Balmoral Castle. When the warmer months are in full swing, other members of the royal family head north to join the Queen and Prince Philip. However reports are stating this year’s long list of visitors has forced couriers to make a few adjustments to the sleeping arrangements. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1OQ4aHgNi6/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1OQ4aHgNi6/" target="_blank">A post shared by Royals now and then (@royalsnowthen)</a> on Aug 16, 2019 at 4:17am PDT </div> </blockquote> British publication <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1170228/prince-william-prince-harry-news-feud-balmoral-castle-queen-summer-holiday">The Express </a>said the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit has coincided with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and due to this, both Prince William and Duchess Kate are staying out of the castle itself. "The Queen has a lot of guests coming and to ease the pressure the Cambridges are likely to stay at the cottage," a royal insider said. The Cambridge’s are believed to have settled into Tam-na-Ghar which is situated in the castle grounds. Meanwhile, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan along with baby Archie are expected to be staying within the castle walls. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1pMmCCnSqQ/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1pMmCCnSqQ/" target="_blank">A post shared by The Royal Windsors (@royals_off_the_record)</a> on Aug 26, 2019 at 3:19pm PDT </div> </blockquote> So far, Balmoral Castle’s royal visitors include Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Andrew, and his daughters Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice. Princess Eugenie's husband Jack Brooksbank and Beatrice's boyfriend, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi have also visited up north. The guests are not sitting around either, the royal insider continued. "It can get quite busy at what they call 'the big house' and it's not especially relaxing even though it's a holiday.” "There's a daily routine which evolves around mealtimes, several outfit changes every day, sometimes five, and the Queen likes everything to run like clockwork." <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1eNv3ynuR0/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1eNv3ynuR0/" target="_blank">A post shared by Royal Icelander 🇮🇸 (@royalicelander)</a> on Aug 22, 2019 at 8:57am PDT </div> </blockquote> While the royals prefer to keep their activities private, Princess Eugenie has previously opened up about some of the ways they like to keep themselves occupied. The royal said in the documentary Our Queen at Ninety, Balmoral Castle is her “Granny’s” happy place. "Walks, picnics, dogs—a lot of dogs, there's always dogs—and people coming in and out all the time," she said. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Uv0DIHfZa/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Uv0DIHfZa/" target="_blank">A post shared by CAЯLOS (@los009)</a> on Aug 18, 2019 at 4:42pm PDT </div> </blockquote> "It's a lovely base for Granny and Grandpa, for us to come and see them up there, where you just have room to breathe and run." Balmoral Castle has been one of the royal’s residences since 1852, when Prince Albert purchased it as a gift for his wife Queen Victoria. Scroll through the gallery above to see the royal family at Balmoral Castle throughout the years.

Travel Trouble

Fergie leaves Balmoral Castle early amid dispute with Prince Philip

The Duchess of York has reportedly cut her trip to Balmoral Castle short, where she was staying as a guest of Queen Elizabeth. Sarah Ferguson arrived at the estate late last week but has already begun her journey back home from the Scottish Highlands. According to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/auhome/index.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>, Fergie made a quick getaway after Prince Philip arrived at the castle, a few days earlier than originally expected. The pair have had a rocky relationship ever since she and Prince Andrew divorced in 1996, with insiders claiming that the Duke of Edinburgh refuses to be under the same roof as the Duchess. Ferguson was spotted arriving at Balmoral on Thursday after travelling from London to Scotland via a commercial flight. Prince Andrew on the other hand came via private jet. It is assumed the reasoning behind the separate travel arrangements is due to rumours circulating around Andrew’s relationship with Fergie, as many hope the pair are back together. The Duke of York was spotted for the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/queen-elizabeth-supports-prince-andrew-amid-jeffrey-epstein-sex-scandal" target="_blank">first time in public on Sunday </a>after news broke of Jeffrey Epstein’s apparent suicide over the weekend.

International Travel

Royal sneak peek: Prince Andrew shares rare insight into the Queen’s Balmoral Castle

Queen Elizabeth is a royal who loves to spend her summer holidays laid back at Balmoral Castle – one of the homes she has relied on for sanctity throughout her time as Queen. Her Majesty arrived to the sprawling estate on Wednesday where she was greeted by members of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, who provide a Royal Guard throughout her time at the Castle. The Scottish retreat finished being built during Queen Victoria’s reign in 1856 and the royal family have been holidaying there ever since. The property is worth a staggering estimate of $200 million. Prince Andrew is one of the many royals who have found peace at the highland haven, and took to Instagram to share a photograph snapped of his parents from 1984 to share his own personal perspective. “Every year, Her Majesty and The Royal Family enjoy spending time at Balmoral in the summer – this photo was taken by The Duke of York in the grounds of the Castle in 1984,” he wrote in a caption. Not often are fans of the British family treated to see life at Balmoral – it was once described by Prince Andrew's daughter Princess Eugenie as “the most beautiful place in the world”. "I think Granny is the most happy there," the princess said. "I think she really, really loves the Highlands." Scroll through the gallery above to see what royal life is like at Balmoral Castle.

Home & Garden

The Queen lets Duchess Kate borrow valued possession during Balmoral Castle visit

The Duchess of Cambridge made a rare sighting on the weekend, appearing in public during her maternity leave to attend church in Balmoral with her royal family. Duchess Kate was seen travelling to Crathie Kirk parish in Scotland, sitting next to the Queen in the car and behind her husband Prince William, who was in the front passenger seat. Kate showcased her classy style while wearing a Catherine Walker coatdress and hat, but it was her jewellery which sent royal fans into a frenzy. <img width="498" height="415" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820101/1_498x415.jpg" alt="1 (181)"/> The mother-of-three was seen wearing a pair of pearl earrings that were borrowed from Her Majesty’s very own jewellery box. The Bahrain pearl and diamond drop earrings are very special to the Queen as the pearls were gifted to the monarch on her wedding day. According to <a href="http://queensjewelvault.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-bahrain-pearl-drop-earrings.html">Her Majesty’s Jewel Vault</a>, the earrings were made from two of the seven pearls that were given to the Queen and Prince Philip for their 1947 wedding from the ruler of Bahrain at the time. The earrings also made an appearance in the Buckingham Palace summer exhibit that marked the royal couple’s 60th wedding anniversary. William and Kate have joined the Queen and Prince Philip on their annual summer holiday trip to Balmoral Castle. As the royals made the trip to the local church on the cool 14-degree day, Kate was seen with a cosy blue blanket draped across her knees for the duration of the drive. The Queen also looked elegant in a blue ensemble, while also wearing a pair of pearl earrings. Kate is not the only in-law who has had the privilege of borrowing a piece of jewellery from the Queen’s personal collection, with Duchess Meghan also previously wearing jewels belonging to Queen Elizabeth II. At her wedding to Prince Harry, Meghan wore the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau tiara from the Queen’s jewellery vault, which was previously owned by the monarch’s grandmother, Queen Mary. It is also believed that when Meghan was invited for the first time to accompany the Queen on a public engagement, Her Majesty gifted the newlywed a pair of pearl and diamond drop earrings similar to her own version. Meghan wore the special present during their trip to Cheshire, where the duo were photographed giggling with each other throughout the day. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 58.79629629629629% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BkAZm5Wgu9S/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank">A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal)</a> on Jun 14, 2018 at 6:10am PDT </div> </blockquote>

News

Inside the Queen’s private study at Balmoral Castle

Unless you’ve got an in with the royal family, chances are you’ve never seen the inside of the Queen’s private study at Balmoral. But during an audience with the Canadian Governor General Designate, Julie Payette, Her Majesty has offered a rare glimpse behind closed doors. The last time we saw inside was in 1977, when the Queen and Prince Philip were pictured behind a desk in the room. <img width="500" height="500" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/43200/image__500x500.jpg" alt="Image_ (14)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> And, if these new photos are anything to go by, it seems not much has changed! Scroll through the gallery above and you’ll see just how frugal and resourceful Her Majesty is, repurposing the fabric from her old sofas into new cushions and only spending $35 on a simple electric heater. There is one extra modern convenience, however – a sleek flat-screen TV with a Sky box (the UK equivalent to Foxtel). Take a look inside and tell us in the comments below, what do you think of her study?

International Travel

The Queen begins her summer holiday

The Queen has begun her annual summer holiday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The Palace confirmed the monarch is now taking a well-deserved break from her royal duties, announcing on social media: "The Queen was welcomed to Balmoral Castle by Balaklava Company, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland and the regiment's mascot Cruachan. Her Majesty will spend the rest of the summer at Balmoral before returning to her duties in the autumn.” Her Majesty looked radiant in a powder pink suit as she arrived at Balmoral Castle, where she was greeted at the gates by a guard of honour, and the same cheeky three-year-old Shetland pony named Cruachan IV – the regimental mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland – that made headlines last month after he tried to eat The Queen’s posy during a visit to Stirling Castle. <img width="500" height="503" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/40805/in-text-1_500x503.jpg" alt="In Text 1 (15)"/> Thankfully, the naughty pony was on much better behaviour this time around, as he joined the royal welcome – letting out a neigh as The Queen turned to walk away. “We know where you are,” Her Majesty said to the pony, smiling. “The Royal Regiment of Scotland put on a great show as always. And Cruachan got it on the act as he always seems to,” added a royal onlooker. Excited crowds gathered to wish the 91-year-old monarch well as she inspected the guard of honour, before making her way inside the castle where she is expected to be in residence until early October. Image credit: Ken Goff and The Royal Family Instagram

News

The Queen’s hilarious exchange with tourists who didn’t recognise Her Majesty

Her face might be displayed on currency all around the world, but if this interchange is anything to go by, Queen Elizabeth II still knows how to fly under the radar. One of the Queen’s former royal protection officers shared hilarious details of an exchange between Her Majesty and a group of American tourists in a talk about his time in the role. According to <a href="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Times</a>, Richard Griffin said the Queen was walking near Balmoral in tweeds and a headscarf, and the tourists failed to recognise Her Majesty. As the tourists approached, Her Majesty decided to have a bit of fun. When the tourists asked, “Do you live around here?” the Queen replied that she had a house nearby, without giving anything away. And when the tourists asked if she had met the Queen, Her Majesty simply gestured to Mr Griffin, saying, “No, but he has.” <img width="500" height="625" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/18846/queen-in-text-this-one_500x625.jpg" alt="Queen In Text This One" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Isn’t it nice to hear Queen Elizabeth II has a sense of humour! And imagine how those tourists felt when they found out! Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/12/life-lessons-from-grandparents/">Top 10 life lessons kids learn from grandparents</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/10/quotes-about-siblings/">9 heart-warming quotes about siblings</a> <a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/09/kids-addicted-to-technology/">How kids have fun today is alarmingly different to the good old days</a>

News

Swelling river threatens 450-year-old Scottish castle

A swelling river has threated to collapse a 450-year-old Scottish castle near the Queen’s Balmoral estate, forcing the laird of the 16th century tower to flee. Remarkable drone footage in the video above shows just how precariously Abergeldie Castle is teeters over the edge of the River Dee. At its height, the river completely swept the embankment away, unearthing a range of mature trees, swallowing nearby roads and threatening the gorgeous building. The castle’s owner, Baron Abergeldie John Gordon, has sought refuge at a neighbour’s home with his wife. "He left the castle when the river was at its height. It swept the embankment away," neighbour Gordon Fraser told Scotland's Daily Record. "It moved a 60ft lump of ground and took a lot of big mature trees as well. John is at his wits' end. It's not only a home. It's the heritage, the history. Nothing can be done while the river is in spate like it is." Areas of the UK have been hit by heavy storms over the past week, leaving many properties without electricity and some metres under water as river levels reach all-time highs. Video credit: YouTube / Andy Kay Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/01/girl-tries-to-scam-extra-holiday-with-letter/">Girl tries to scam extra week's holiday with fake letter</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/01/disneyland-star-wars-attraction/">Disneyland's Star Wars attraction takes over park</a> <a href="/news/news/2016/01/sheep-missing-six-years-finally-gets-sheared/">Lost sheep has 20 kilos of wool shorn at first haircut in 6 years</a>

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Fergie leaves Balmoral Castle early amid dispute with Prince Philip

Royal sneak peek: Prince Andrew shares rare insight into the Queen’s Balmoral Castle

The Queen lets Duchess Kate borrow valued possession during Balmoral Castle visit

Inside the Queen’s private study at Balmoral Castle

The Queen begins her summer holiday

The Queen’s hilarious exchange with tourists who didn’t recognise Her Majesty

Swelling river threatens 450-year-old Scottish castle