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KING FOR A DAY
King Charles to let tourists inside Highland home where Queen died for first time
A limited number of people will be allowed into the royal residence each day
VISITORS will be allowed into the royal rooms at the home where Queen Elizabeth II died in an historic first.
King Charles is allowing tours of the inside of Balmoral Castle near Ballater, Aberdeenshire, for the first time ever - costing £150 with afternoon tea.
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It is the first time that tourists have been allowed into rooms used by the Royal Family the Scottish castle that has been their home for 170 years.
Sources have previously claimed the King wants to extend the opening of royal homes - including Buckingham Palace - to make more money.
Previously paying guests have only been allowed in Balmoral's ballroom.
And it has always been the family's most private of homes.
Balmoral announced today guests 'can see a selection of rooms within the Castle that are used by Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family'.
The rooms are expected to include the Drawing Room where the late Queen was last pictured with ex-PM Liz Truss.
But the bedroom where the Queen died is expected to be off limits.
Only 40 tickets will be issued each day and come at a hefty price costing £100 each and £150 if an afternoon tea is included.
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It is described as an "adult only experience".
The royals spend August and September summer holidays at Balmoral although the King and Queen stay most days at their home nearby at Birkhall.
Tickets are available from July 1 till August 4.
"Since its completion in 1855, access to the interior of Balmoral Castle has been restricted to the public, until now," the estate announced today.
"For the first time in history, we're thrilled to announce the launch of interior castle private tours - The Balmoral Experience.
"Learn about Balmoral's history and heritage, led by our experienced guides through several of the exquisite rooms within Balmoral Castle.
"Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral Estate by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to the present day, where you can see a selection of rooms within the Castle that are used by Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family."
Tickets are limited to 40 people per day, from July 1 to August 4, and are available at ."
A PLACE TO BE HERSELF
By Arthur Edwards
ONCE I asked the late Queen why she always went to Balmoral for her holidays.
She replied: “Where else could I go?” And I said: “You’re the Queen, Ma’am, you can go anywhere.”
She thought for a moment and then said: “Yes, but I quite like it there.”
Later, a lady-in-waiting told me: “When the Queen drives through the gates of Balmoral, she kicks her shoes off with delight.”
It was here, among the mountains, that for three months each summer she could be a normal person and not in a goldfish bowl.
Now for £150 the British public can see why Queen Elizabeth loved Balmoral.
I’m sure visitors will think the entrance fee is exorbitant. But it’s the first time these rooms will have been opened to the public.
I’ve been in the ballroom where you can imagine the Queen and Philip dancing at the annual Ghillies’ Ball.
You’ll get to see the Queen’s private sitting room where she said farewell to Boris Johnson and met her last Prime Minister Liz Truss before her death.
Even if you don’t go inside, for £17.50 you can stroll through the impressive gardens where the Queen used to walk her corgis every day.
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