Balmoral Castle is an iconic royal property, known to play host to royal summers, and the 170-year-old residence is much-loved by royal family members past and present. The striking exterior and stunning grounds look amazing all year round, and on Tuesday, a fresh perspective of the estate was revealed. The Balmoral team posted an aerial shot, featuring the castle, the estate's kitchen garden and the newest addition, the maze.
Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Last week, King Charles unveiled the Thistle Maze, which serves as a special tribute to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The thistle is the national flower of Scotland, and the maze takes the shape of this iconic plant. Aberdeenshire-based company Nicol of Skene is behind the transformation, which was one close to Charles' heart. Mazes often feature in royal gardens, and it is believed they remind the monarch of his childhood.
The caption of the Instagram post explained a little more about the maze. It read: "Explore the peaceful and breathtaking gardens at Balmoral this summer, including the Sunken Garden, the Celtic Ballroom Maze, Queen Mary’s Garden and the Thistle Maze.
"Working with Kirsty Wilson, who leads a team of gardeners, His Majesty has transformed 45 acres, with gardens redesigned in his distinctive style. Everything has been created according to his long-held principles of harmony with nature.
"The centrepiece is the awe-inspiring yew maze representing Scotland’s national flower, the thistle. Thistles are a recurring theme at Balmoral, featuring in both the interior and exterior decoration of the castle (thistle finials surmount some turrets) and throughout the gardens, including the corner herbaceous beds surrounding the maze."
Tribute to Prince Philip
Also in the image is King Charles' immaculate kitchen garden, which is where he grows organic fruits and vegetables. The late Duke of Edinburgh extended the gardens to incorporate a large kitchen garden, and King Charles' adoration for it is a tribute to his late father.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesIncreased public access
Since 2024, King Charles has opened extra spaces at Balmoral Castle for members of the public to admire. Visitors are now able to see the Entrance Hall, the Red Corridor, the Library, the Family Dining Room and the Drawing Room inside the iconic castle. These are rooms still used by the royal family regularly, and the library is a place that acts as Charles' study when he is staying in Scotland.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe castle also runs guided tours of the interior throughout the summer, which are almost sold out. Tickets cost £110 per adult and the intimate tours are arranged for a maximum of 12 people at a time. The website explains: "Our experienced guides will explain about the origins of the Castle and how it has been loved by generations of the Royal Family; from the purchase of the Balmoral Estate by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to the present day, where rooms within the Castle are used today by Their Majesties The King and Queen and members of the Royal Family."
