In a historic move, King Charles is opening the doors of Balmoral Castle to the public. The Palace’s website states that the royal house in Scotland is being opened “for the first time since the castle was completed in 1855.” It was announced earlier this week that both Balmoral and Buckingham Palace are now permitting tourists in new ways.
Queen Elizabeth spent her final days at Balmoral Castle
Though the Royal Family formerly permitted guests to take tours of Balmoral, these trips were limited to the palace grounds and gardens. At the time, the public could only enter the castle through the ballroom. “You will see why Balmoral is such a special place – the much loved and celebrated Highland home of the Royal Family,” the tour description on Balmoral Castle’s website reads.
Visitors to the Castle Internal Guided Tour will be able to have a private tour. The website states that its knowledgeable guides will “take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle.” The fact that the late Queen Elizabeth spent her final days at Balmoral Castle adds to the tour’s intimate feel.
Private tours will begin on July 1
“You will learn about the origins of the Castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal family. Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to the present day, where you can see how rooms within the Castle are used today by their Majesties The King and Queen, and other members of the Royal Family,” the website reads.
Private tours will begin on July 1 and run through August 4, with a maximum of ten people on each tour. The website says the regular guided excursion costs $126 per person. Meanwhile, tickets with an afternoon tea break cost $189 per person. It is important to note that these tours are only for adults.