King Charles has completed a deeply personal tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral, the Scottish estate where the late monarch spent her final days.
Newly released images show the completed Thistle Maze, a striking new addition to the grounds of Balmoral Castle that was commissioned by the King in memory of his mother.
The maze, which takes the shape of Scotland’s national flower, the thistle, is believed to be only the second royal maze created in Britain in the past 300 years.
Situated within the estate’s historic gardens, the project combines one of the King’s lifelong interests with a tribute to the place that held a special significance for Queen Elizabeth throughout her life.
The late Queen spent much of her private time at Balmoral and died peacefully there on 8 September 2022 after a reign spanning 70 years.
The maze was created by Aberdeenshire-based company Nicol of Skene, which was tasked with bringing the King’s vision to life.
Reports suggest Charles has been fascinated by mazes since childhood, making the project both a personal passion and a lasting memorial to his mother.
The new attraction forms part of Balmoral’s historic gardens, many of which were originally developed under the guidance of Prince Albert after the estate was purchased by Queen Victoria and her husband in 1852.
The unveiling comes shortly after the publication of a new guidebook for visitors to Balmoral, in which the King reflected on the estate’s enduring importance to the Royal Family.
Writing in the foreword, Charles described Balmoral as a “cherished” family home and spoke movingly about his mother’s affection for the estate.
He wrote that Balmoral has held “a uniquely special place” in the hearts of his family since childhood and said Queen Elizabeth “particularly treasured her time” there.
Reflecting on her final days, the King added: “It was here, in these most beloved of surroundings, that she chose to spend her final days.”
The Scottish retreat has become an increasingly important part of Charles’s reign. In 2024, he opened Balmoral Castle to public tours for the first time in more than 170 years and has overseen a number of changes to both the interior and the estate grounds.
The completion of the Thistle Maze adds another chapter to Balmoral’s history while serving as a lasting reminder of the monarch who regarded the estate as her sanctuary for more than seven decades.
