Today, the British royal family convened at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, to receive the somber news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. The gates of the private royal estate became a gathering point for mourners, paying homage to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and marking a historic moment in the rich history of this Scottish holiday residence.
Balmoral Castle, characterized by Scottish baronial architecture and the Gothic Revival style, has been a prominent residence for the British royal family since 1852. Originally capturing the heart of Queen Victoria, who fondly referred to it as “this dear paradise,” Prince Albert acquired the estate for her at a cost of £32,000. Architects John and William Smith were enlisted to elevate the castle’s plans to meet royal standards, constructing a new castle and eventually dismantling the original structure. Queen Victoria subsequently oversaw the construction of cottages across its extensive 50,000-acre grounds, with some recently opened to the public. Throughout Queen Elizabeth’s seven-decade reign, the castle has served as a summer retreat.
During her childhood, a young Elizabeth, along with her sister Margaret, eagerly anticipated the annual trip to Balmoral. Marion Crawford’s account in “The Little Princesses” notes that the visit marked a significant event in their calendar, with events often dated as “before we went to Scotland” or “when we got back from Scotland.” Continuing this tradition, Queen Elizabeth shared the pilgrimage with her own children, finding solace and tranquility amidst the expansive greenery of the secluded Scottish Highlands.
Balmoral Castle’s interiors have incorporated Highland-inspired details, featuring elements like tartans and chintzes, complemented by floral-patterned wallpaper against pine-colored woodwork. While redecorations over time have introduced more contemporary styles, the enduring floral motifs have preserved a timeless aesthetic.
Within Balmoral Castle, the regal drawing room has served as a warm setting for meetings with prime ministers and public figures. Whether captured in a 1976 photograph alongside Prince Philip or hosting an audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss this week, this traditional room exudes warmth with its crackling fireplace and historic ornamental items. Much of the room’s decor remains unchanged from decades ago, including the teal-upholstered couch.
Adjacent to the drawing room is a spacious study, where the Queen routinely addressed State Papers sent from London. Early photographs reveal distinctly Scottish touches like plaid carpeting, while white floral fabrics reminiscent of the blossoms beyond the castle walls adorn the floor-to-ceiling curtains and box-pleated upholstered chairs. The room is adorned with leather-bound books and stately grandfather clocks, and recent photographs indicate the incorporation of modern upgrades such as flat-screen televisions.
