Described by Princess Eugenie as ‘the most beautiful place on earth’, Balmoral holds a special place in the hearts of the Royal Family. It was often described as the late Queen’s favourite home. She had no official duties there, apart from attending the Braemar Gathering, where she would often be an excited onlooker at the caber tossing, the tug of war and the sack races.

Prince Albert bought Balmoral for £32,000 in 1852 (roughly around £4m today), which means it’s privately owned, like Sandringham, and not part of the Crown Estate. The castle is a rebuild of the original property , which Prince Albert considered too small.

The King’s arrival at Balmoral typically begins with an inspection of a guard of honour from the Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion, who make up part of her

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