Ruthie Henshall, the West End star and former girlfriend of Prince Edward, has offered a rare and candid look into the Royal Family's infamous Balmoral test, describing her experience as both surreal and surprisingly down-to-earth. The 59-year-old actress, who dated the King's youngest brother in the 1990s, shared her insights on HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast, lifting the lid on what it is like to be invited to the late Queen Elizabeth II's beloved 50,000-acre Scottish estate.
What Is the Balmoral Test?
An invitation to Balmoral Castle is widely regarded as a rite of passage for potential royal partners, informally known as the Balmoral test. Past guests have included the late Princess Diana in 1980, Catherine, Princess of Wales in 2009, and Meghan Markle in 2018. More recently, Harriet Phillips, wife of Peter Phillips, underwent her test in August 2025, while Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Beatrice's husband, faced his in 2019. The test is seen as a crucial step in determining whether a partner fits into the royal family's inner circle.
A Surreal VIP Experience
Ms Henshall admitted she had no idea what to expect when she received her invitation. However, she was treated to the ultimate VIP experience, complete with her own personal maid. Despite the grandeur, the Olivier Award-winning actress revealed that the family's off-duty behaviour was surprisingly relaxed. Outdoor cookouts were held entirely free of protection officers, and King Charles—then Prince of Wales—took on hosting duties, serving potent drinks to get the party started.
"They were all quite jolly. I think everyone was jolly by the time we'd had a few martinis," Ms Henshall laughed. "Charles was manning the bar. He made me a very strong martini. He probably did that on purpose."
Royal Protocol and Expectations
During the weekend, guests are expected to know royal protocol inside out, keep small talk flowing, and master the art of a quick wardrobe change. They must be ready to swap muddy hiking gear for black-tie glamour at a moment's notice, all while blending in effortlessly with the family's rugged lifestyle. Anyone who complains about the rain or slips up on etiquette quickly loses any chance of entering the inner circle—a lesson learned the hard way by former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who famously detested the trips and dubbed them her personal "purgatory."
Balmoral's Special Place in Royal Hearts
Balmoral Castle holds a deeply emotional place in the hearts of the Royal Family. It was famously the late Queen's favourite residence and the place where she passed away in September 2022. King Charles has proudly maintained the tradition, continuing to spend his summer holidays at the Highlands retreat. Princess Beatrice previously opened up about why the estate is so special for the family, calling it "the most beautiful place on earth."
"I think Granny is happiest there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands," she previously shared. "Walks, picnics, dogs—a lot of dogs, there's always dogs! Family-wise, we're all there, so it's a lovely base... where you just have room to breathe and run."
