Living the retirement dream

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Balmoral Castle

Sandy insisted that she was not leaving Scotland without a visit to Balmoral Castle and promised Jim there would only be one more after it which would be Holyrood Castle when we return to Edinburg. When he heard we could not go in the Castle but could only walk the grounds he reluctantly consented. We were in London when Queen Elizabeth died at Balmoral but left before she was brought back to be buried. We brought a bouquet of flowers to the gate of Buckingham Palace the night she died on September 8, 2022.

Balmoral Bridge erected in 1856 and commissioned by HRH Prince Albert. This plaque was unveiled by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 2006.
Jim bracing himself for yet another castle and very happy we do not get to tour inside.
His Majesty King George V unveiled this War Memorial in 1922 and dedicated it in memory of the men from estates in the area who gave their lives. The names of the men of the Crathie Parish who were killed in WWII were added to the base. The memorial is built in the same granite as Balmoral Castle.
Another ancestor of Sandy’s.
Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands Balmoral has been the cherished home of the British Royal Family since 1852.
On specific dates over the autumn and winter months it is possible to explore the gardens and admire the castle when the Royal Family is not using it. There is no charge for admission to the grounds. There is a General Admission ticket but it only allows you to view the Ballroom where there is an exhibition. It was sold out for the time we were here.
The Castle began construction in 1853 following the purchase of the estate by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852. They paid 32,000 pounds for it which is about 43,000 USD. Today’s worth is $63-70 million USD.
Balmoral Estate has held significant historical value and offers serene Scottish scenery.
King Charles has made impressive improvements to the gardens recently which displays his passion for gardening and sustainability. He has fond memories of his childhood here.
The Royal Family has a long standing association with Highland Cattle aka Hairy Coos going back to Queen Victoria.
Hairy Coo is the Scottish name for the shaggy Highland cow, an exceptionally hardy breed that can survive the harsh weather conditions of the Scottish Highlands as they have a thick double layered coat.
Despite their imposing horns they are generally docile, friendly, and curious animals.
Note the Victoria and Albert monogram insignia on the drain spout of the castle.
Royal Crest with the rampant lion a symbol of Scottish royalty, strength and national pride. The Latin inscription reads “No one provokes me with impunity”.
Video of the River Dee flowing under Balmoral Castle Bridge.
Balmoral Castle gate inscriptions are for GR and MR which stand for George Rex and Mary Regina that are the monograms of King George V and Queen Mary.

We so enjoyed this side trip and even though we did not get to go into the castle it was still nice feeling that as we strolled the grounds we were walking in the footsteps of royal greatness and got to see where Queen Elizabeth took her last breaths.

Living our retirement dream

3 responses to “Balmoral Castle”

  1. Kathleen von Pohle Avatar
    Kathleen von Pohle

    Balmoral Gardens a serene place to calm life. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your adventures. Hairy Coos are a favorite of mine from 2018 Isle of Skye and Scotland meadows/hills.
    Smiles Kathleen

    Reply
  2. Donna Quirk Avatar
    Donna Quirk

    Wow. Such serene beauty and I love the Hairy Coos.

    Reply
  3. Chanda McKee Avatar
    Chanda McKee

    STUNNING!!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

    Reply

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