For well over a century, the summer retreats at Balmoral Castle have been a cherished royal tradition. Queen Elizabeth II, the matriarch of the family, typically spends about three months of her year at her beloved estate nestled in the Scottish Highlands. It’s not just a place for rest and relaxation; it’s also an opportunity for the Queen to show off her unique hobbies. For instance, she loves taking her guests on bumpy rides around the vast 50,000-acre estate in her trusty, albeit a bit beaten-up, Land Rover. And if you think that’s quirky, wait until you hear about her bat-rescuing adventures. The Queen isn’t afraid to grab a net and chase down bats that somehow find their way into the castle, ensuring they’re safely released back into the wild.
Of course, not everyone has had the best experience at Balmoral. Princess Diana, for example, spent part of her honeymoon there but reportedly fled in a state of deep depression. In her own words, it "rained and rained and rained." Then there’s former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who admitted to indulging a bit too much during his visits. He described the atmosphere as a "combination of the intriguing, surreal, and utterly freaky." Sounds like quite the scene, doesn’t it?
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Meghan's First Brush with Balmoral
Meghan Markle is about to get her first taste of what life at Balmoral is really like. As per the longstanding tradition, the Queen has extended an invitation to her family members to join her for her annual retreat. And according to sources, this isn’t one of those invites you can politely decline. “It’s something they can’t get out of,” a source told In Touch, in its latest issue, currently available on newsstands. The insider confirmed that Meghan, 37, and Prince Harry, 33, are set to visit for approximately four days this summer.
“It’s only for a short period of time, but being stuck in the middle of nowhere with the Queen can make that time feel much longer,” the insider shared. Luckily for Meghan, she’s managed to build a warm relationship with her grandmother-in-law, which is a good thing considering the recent drama. Her estranged, outspoken father, Thomas Markle, has been causing quite a stir, publicly criticizing Meghan and the royal family. “The Queen is furious, and Meghan knows it,” the source revealed. “This trip could turn out to be very awkward.”
