King Charles has shared deeply personal reflections on Queen Elizabeth II's final days, revealing in a moving new dedication how much Balmoral meant to his late mother.
In the foreword to the new official guide to the royal family's Scottish estate, the King spoke of the special place Balmoral held in the hearts of his family for generations, and shared a touching insight into why the place remained so important to the late Queen until the very end of her life.
«"My late mother especially treasured the time she spent at Balmoral," Charles wrote. "It was here, in this most beloved place, that she chose to spend her last days.".
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, with their children, Prince Andrew (centre), Princess Anne (left) and Charles, Prince of Wales, sit on a picnic blanket outside Balmoral Castle (Bettman Archive).
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The touching tribute is one of the monarch's most personal reflections on his mother's death since Queen Elizabeth died peacefully at her Aberdeenshire estate on September 8, 2022, aged 96.
For millions of people around the world, Balmoral has forever been associated with the end of the reign of Britain's longest-reigning monarch. However, for the royal family, it has always represented something far more intimate: a place of family memories, laughter, freedom, and a refuge from public life.
Balmoral was a very special place for the Queen (Bettman Archive).
In his preface, Charles described Balmoral as a retreat unlike any other. "Balmoral has been my family's beloved Scottish home since the estate was acquired by Prince Albert, my great-great-great-grandfather, in 1852," he wrote.
«"With its buildings, striking in their individuality and always captivating, and its precious, almost sacred, surrounding landscape, it is a place where constant change occurs, yet everything remains the same, with a sense of timelessness that refreshes the soul.".
The King also revealed that his own connection to the estate dates back to his earliest years. "From my earliest childhood, it has held and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of my family and myself," he said.
Queen Elizabeth II and Charles before her death (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
For Queen Elizabeth, Balmoral was widely known as her happiest place. Far from the formalities of palace life, she could spend her time horseback riding, hiking in the Scottish Highlands, picnicking by the river, and summering with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Former prime ministers and close family friends have often said that at Balmoral they saw a different side of the Queen, where she appeared more relaxed and at ease than anywhere else.
Harold Wilson, known for his warm friendship with the monarch, was invited to spend time at the estate and during his visits joined the royal family for riverside picnics.
In concluding his foreword, Charles expressed the hope that visitors to Balmoral would be able to experience the same magic that had captivated his mother and generations of royals before her.
«"Regardless of the circumstances in which you read this book, I hope that you too will be inspired by the rich complexity of the architecture and share in the magic of the surrounding countryside, whose 'wild and majestic' landscape has been a source of inspiration and enjoyment for so many.".
The royal family in the grounds of Balmoral Castle in Scotland, September 26, 1952 (Getty Images)
Information about the royal tribute is contained in a new 80-page guidebook, Balmoral, written by journalist and historian Mary Myers.
The publication opens with one of Charles's watercolours, painted in 1989, of the castle, highlighting his long-standing personal connection with the estate.
Since his accession to the throne, the King has carefully balanced the preservation of Balmoral's historic character with the subtle introduction of his own vision.
In July 2024, he made history by opening the castle's interior to the public for the first time in more than 170 years, giving visitors unprecedented access to one of the royal family's most treasured residences.
He also oversaw a number of changes to the grounds and interiors. According to the guidebook, the lawn in front of the ballroom was transformed into an intricate maze inspired by geometric patterns, reflecting Charles's long-standing passion for architecture and design.
Elsewhere, the wrought iron gates in Queen Mary's Garden were restored and updated in 2023 to mark their centenary and the coronation of Charles and Queen Camilla, and were engraved with the royal couple's monograms.
The castle's interior features new furniture, artworks and decorative elements from the Royal Collection, as well as new carpets and furniture to complement the historic interior.
Author Mary Myers believes the changes continue a tradition started by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who bought the estate in 1852 after falling in love with the Scottish Highlands.
«"Balmoral will forever be associated with Victoria and Albert's love of the Scottish Highlands," she explained.
«"Now that Balmoral is more accessible to the public, it is possible to appreciate how important the Prince Consort's interests in architecture, design, landscaping and estate management were to its creation, and how effectively the King, sharing these passions, added a new layer of interest and style while preserving and enhancing the original appearance.".
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