The Queen and Prince Philip's epic holiday home is 'paradise' - see inside

The Queen and Prince Philip spent the majority of 2020 at Windsor Castle due to the coronavirus pandemic, however they were still able to enjoy a summer break at their stunning holiday home, Balmoral Castle.

This royal residence is one of Her Majesty's favourite places in the world which she famously called a "paradise in the Highlands", and she often invites other royals such as Prince Charles and Camilla and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to join her at the castle.

Located in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, the estate is set amid mountains, lochs and glens, and is an idyllic spot for the royals to enjoy their holidays. Her Majesty usually starts the break in the seven-bedroom Craigowan Lodge on the estate while the castle is still open to the public, before moving into the main house in August.

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Members of the public have only occasionally been given glimpses inside the historic estate, which is privately owned by the royal family, unlike other residences like Buckingham Palace. However, when the Queen has hosted prestigious guests and garden parties, there have been some rare photos taken within the castle. Take a look through the gallery to see where the Queen and Prince Philip likely intend on returning this summer…

WATCH: The Queen's home at Balmoral is the dream retreat

The Drawing Room

Her Majesty held an audience with General Sir Peter Cosgrove, the Governor-General of Australia in September 2017. The meeting was held in the drawing room of Balmoral Castle, which has a green colour scheme with carpets, curtains and sofas in complementing tones, and offset by wooden furnishings and luxurious gold accents. A traditional log burning fire sits at the centre of the room, while an antique clock sits in front of a mirror above it.

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Study

Another room, where the Queen met Canadian Governor General Designate Julie Payette, has a similar colour carpet, with bookshelves lining the walls from floor to ceiling. An electric heater has been positioned in front of the fire, and a flat-screen TV can be seen in the background for when the Queen and Prince Philip want to relax.

DISCOVER: The Queen's surprisingly laid-back dinner etiquette at Balmoral

Gardens

The formal gardens at Balmoral were the location for a garden party hosted by Her Majesty in 2012. A favourite spot of the Duke of Edinburgh, he incorporated a large kitchen garden, which is harvested between August and October during the royal family's summer holiday.

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There is also a range of Victorian glasshouses and a large conservatory within the gardens, which displays flowering pot plants throughout the year.

The Garden Cottage

This Garden Cottage sits within the grounds of Balmoral and was used at times by Queen Victoria for taking her breakfast and writing diaries. The monarch famously called Balmoral a "paradise in the Highlands" and wrote in her diary: "All seemed to breathe freedom and peace, and to make one forget the world and its sad turmoils."

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