Princess Diana famously captured a prince's heart on the grounds.
Now, for the first time ever, parts of Balmoral Castle, the Royal family's private sanctuary, will be open to the public this summer.
This move reflects the King's initiative to increase public access to royal residences.
Alongside this, the East Wing of Buckingham Palace, including the iconic central balcony, has been refurbished and will be available for tours.
Balmoral, nestled in the Scottish Highlands, holds a special place in history.
Acquired by Prince Albert as a gift for Queen Victoria in 1852, the estate has been the Royals' hideaway ever since.
Queen Victoria described Balmoral as "small but pretty" in her journal, noting a sense of freedom and tranquility that allowed one to escape the world's troubles.
The original property was deemed too small by Prince Albert, leading to the construction of the current castle with its Scottish baronial style featuring towers and "pepper pot turrets.
" Balmoral was decorated with tartans, and the royal couple's activities, like attending highland games at Braemar, helped establish a royal connection with Scotland.
To this day, Balmoral remains a private retreat where the Royal family can unwind, engage in activities like riding, deer stalking, and fishing in the River Dee that winds through the estate.
The late Queen Elizabeth spent her summers at Balmoral, enjoying walks with her corgis, horse riding, and casual picnics with loved ones.
The estate brims with traditional elements like parlour games, tartan rugs, bagpipe melodies at breakfast, and historic corridors adorned with mounted antlers.
The estate hosts formal dinners, laid-back barbecues, and Sunday visits to the Crathie Kirk church.
Princess Eugenie hailed Balmoral as "the most beautiful place on earth," emphasizing its serene environment.
Balmoral is known for the famed "Balmoral Test," a ritual where guests are expected to embrace the royal etiquette.
Harold Wilson embraced this experience, venturing into tasks like collecting firewood for barbecues, while other figures like Margaret Thatcher faltered in the face of royal customs.
In recent times, as King Charles has taken steps to open the royal homes to visitors, Balmoral's aura has evolved.
The estate, a cherished favorite of the late Queen, now unveils its interiors and gardens to the public like never before.
The newly available castle tours offer glimpses of Balmoral's elegant ballroom, distinctive drawing room, royal dining area, library, and staff quarters.
Intriguing details like the King's watercolor collection and historic fashion pieces further enrich the tour experience.
Balmoral's immaculate gardens, cultivated over generations, feature Victorian glasshouses, a game larder, and charming monuments paying homage to the royal legacy.
Noteworthy additions by King Charles, such as the Thistle Maze and Celtic Ballroom Maze, enhance the estate's allure.
Visitors can explore Balmoral's enchanting grounds, exhibitions, and guided tours during the specified dates.
Ticket options cater to various preferences, including general admission, castle interior tours, and expedition tours, each offering a unique insight into the estate's rich history and royal connections.
Located in the Cairngorms National Park by the River Dee, Balmoral is easily accessible by car or public transport from cities like Aberdeen and Inverness.
Nearby accommodation options like the Fife Arms in Braemar and Darroch Learg provide a luxurious stay near the Balmoral estate.
As Balmoral opens its doors to the public, visitors can immerse themselves in the charm and grandeur of this historic royal retreat, uncovering its hidden treasures and timeless elegance.