Queen Elizabeth II spent her final days at Balmoral Castle
The 53,000-acre Scottish estate served as a private summer retreat for generations of the British royal family.
Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022. According to the Times of India, the monarch chose to spend her last days at the 53,000-acre estate in the Scottish Highlands.
The property has been used by the British royal family for over 170 years since Prince Albert purchased it in 1852. While the estate originally covered 17,000 acres, it has since grown to its current size.
The late Sir Malcolm Ross, former Comptroller of the Royal Household, said the estate offered wide open spaces without the noise or traffic of other locations. He noted the Queen could relax with her dogs in the peaceful surroundings.
Princess Eugenie stated in the 2016 documentary ‘Our Queen at Ninety’ that the monarch loved the Highlands and was happiest at the estate. The Queen herself once remarked that one could walk for miles without seeing anyone.
Despite the relaxed atmosphere, the Queen performed royal duties such as reading diplomatic papers and meeting foreign dignitaries. The British prime minister also traditionally visited her at the estate once a year.
King Charles III said in a 2024 speech to the Scottish Parliament that his mother treasured her time at Balmoral. However, Princess Anne noted the Queen once worried that dying at the estate might complicate arrangements.