The royal family's Scottish retreat at Balmoral has become a must-see tourist destination, with families paying £35 to enter the grounds. The castle, where the Queen died last September, is now open to the public again, though only the small ballroom is accessible, displaying family photographs.
The estate, acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852, has since expanded to 21,725 hectares, making King Charles III one of Scotland's largest landowners. It includes a grouse moor, woodland, and numerous residential properties.
In recent years, the family has monetised the estate through tourism. The gift shop sells Balmoral-branded whisky, gin, and tweed handbags. Expedition tours by Land Rover cost £330 for up to six people, and holiday cottages are let for nearly £2,000 per week in peak season.
Government data shows Balmoral has received over £1m in subsidies over the last 20 years, primarily for forestry and peatland restoration. A palace spokesperson defended the subsidies, stating the estate is involved in conservation and receives grants like other working estates.
The estate includes 81 residential properties, with 90% let to employees and local families. It also offers fishing and deer stalking. The castle reputedly has 167 rooms, though Charles and Camilla often stay at the smaller Birkhall house.
