It is being reported that Balmoral Castle could become Her Majesty The Queen’s second home in the event of the death of The Duke of Edinburgh. Should Prince Philip die before her, it is being reported that Queen Elizabeth has expressed a wish to spend more time at her Highland retreat.
The Sunday Times have reported that plans have been explored for The Queen to spend her time between Buckingham Palace and Balmoral Castle though nothing is set in stone just yet owing to Prince Philip being in robust good health and still undertaking official duties.
A source told The Sunday Times, “There is a feeling that if The Duke of Edinburgh passed away her preference would be to spend more time in Scotland. The discussion has been that if he goes before her, that would be her wish. She loves Scotland, it has always been a great comfort to her, where she is happiest and most relaxed. She’s a different person up there. At Balmoral she feels she doesn’t have to be a caricature of a queen. Everyone will play it by ear but the feeling is the Scottish plan will be what she wants to do.”
Currently, The Queen spends around six months of the year at Buckingham Palace, from October to mid December, early February to Easter and May and June. It is believed that The Queen feels “location is immaterial” and that she can function just as effectively as a Monarch at Balmoral Castle as she does at Buckingham Palace.
The source continued, “Her Court operates anywhere- when she moves to a different residence, everyone moves with her. The Queen is very aware that you can be head of state anywhere these days. She knows you can look through a red box, have an audience and host a reception anywhere.”
Balmoral Castle was bought by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1852 and has been the Scottish home of The Royal Family ever since.
Though its a retreat for The Queen, while she is at Balmoral Her Majesty does still host visiting statesmen and Prime Ministers every September.
Photo Credits: Marc & The Co-operative
I have said this before on Royal Sites, but it bears repeating, there was a day when speculation on the death of a members of the Royal Family, especially the monarch, was considered treason They should bring that understanding back and stop the press from disrespecting our Queen and her Prince Consort in this manner!!! Long may they live!
I do agree in principle with this, as often they go beyond tact and discretion, and it is after all none of our business. But there is also an argument that ignoring the practical plans made for the potential calling home of a 95 year old man is akin to sticking one’s fingers in one’s ears and singing “Lalala”. I for one hope the Queen makes it to her 70th Jubilee before anything happens to her and her husband, but men often die younger than women and the Duke is noticeably older than the Queen and has had some serious illnesses already. Neither will last forever, and morever would not wish to. Even were the Queen to live as long as her mother, she would not manage a 75th or 80th Jubilee and I almost hope she is not forced to… Long life is a blessing… to a point. “Long live our gracious Queen” has already been granted. We don’t need to wish for it beyond all mercy to the point of ossification.
the Duke is 94 and he very likely has more years ahead but Her Majesty is being practical.
if she is widowed it’s quite reasonable that she would prefer to spend more time at a place that she really loves and feels more relaxed.