Balmoral

The first definitive social history of Balmoral, telling the complete story of the castle and estate, the royal family at their leisure, and the people who have worked for the royals for so many generations.

For more than one hundred and fifty years, Balmoral has played host to the royal family at their most relaxed. This remote Scottish estate—extending to more than 50,000 acres—was the stage for Queen Victoria’s scandalous love affair with her servant John Brown; it was here that Edward VIII caused outrage by flaunting his domineering mistress Wallace Simpson; it was here too, in her favorite childhood home that Philip proposed to Princess Elizabeth.

Balmoral has witnessed the turmoil of Sarah Fergusson being banned and of Prince Andrew trying to gain his mother’s support after his disgrace—a strategy that led to a devastating breakdown in the relationship between Andrew and Charles. The narrative will look at how Queen Victoria and Albert first acquired and then rebuilt the castle and at how generations of royals have enjoyed entertaining, outdoor pursuits, and life off duty from 1852 until today, including Diana’s obsession with sunbathing and befriending staff, Andrew’s string of increasingly youthful girlfriends, William’s rows with Harry, Andrew, and Sarah; and Prince Philip’s perpetual irritation with his children.