Major change King Charles is making to Balmoral which involves swanky events and alcohol
MANY people have dreamed about sweeping round a glittering palace attending royal events – and this could soon be a reality.
King Charles has submitted an application to make a big change at the royal family’s favourite summer residence, Balmoral.
The Scottish castle has been in the Royal Family since 1852 and boasts over 50,000 acres of land, 52 bedrooms and is estimated to be worth £155million according to Business Insider.
A licence application has been submitted to Aberdeenshire Council that could see the fairytale location used for extravagant parties.
It hopes to turn the Queen’s Building, located metres from the historic castle, into an events space for “weddings” and “dinners.”
The building was constructed in the late 1980s to be used as staff lodging and break rooms, along with a canteen.
More recently it has been used as a dining space for tourists.
According to The Times, the royals are requesting to increase the capacity rules from 40 to 144 outside and from 250 to 277 people.
They also hope to use the outdoor patio overlooking the spectacular grounds for their swanky functions.
In the application it states the venue can be “used for weddings, dinners, meetings, and associated events.”
It adds: “These events may include live performances and dances where alcohol can be sold until 12:30 a.m.”
Currently noise regulations – which prevent loud music disturbing neighbours – pose a threat to Charles’ romantic plans for the castle.
However, the estate argues there is “no such prospect of neighbours being disturbed” by noise.
It will be down to the Council to approve or deny the request.
Charles’ ‘golden tickets’ to Balmoral
Prince Albert bought the estate in 1852 for his wife Queen Victoria and began expanding the stately home into a Castle suitable for the Royal Family but sadly passed away before it was completed.
Now the royals flock there every summer and do a range of activities from fishing, hunting, picnicking and barbecuing.
Since the Queen’s death in 2022, King Charles has been determined to make the castle the latest royal residence to open to the public.
On April 2, nearly 3,500 “golden tickets” went on sale at £100 each.
Within hours they had been snapped up by tourists all over the world keen to be given guided tours of the house.
Following the public access, staff prepared the residence for the King’s summer holiday there, which kicked off on August 19 this year.
Charles’ £250 Balmoral side hustle
Last month we shared how King Charles is giving Brits the chance to eat like a King with a £250 fine dining experience at Balmoral Castle.
It will include a rare tour of His Majesty‘s Scottish retreat followed by a seven-course meal with paired wines and live music.
The “specially-curated” dishes are said to be inspired by each of the seven rooms guests will visit on a tour of the castle.
Visitors will also be greeted by a traditional piper when they arrive for the experience.
It will be the first time Brits can experience eating like the Royal Family in the Scottish home.
The website said: “To book, please e-mail reservations@balmoralcastle.com with your preferred date, the number of tickets you wish to book for and contact telephone number.”
Royals views on Balmoral, according to The Sun's royal photographer Arthur Edwards
LEGENDARY Sun photographer Arthur Edwards said of the Scottish castle: “Diana, I knew from our chats over the years, wasn’t keen on Balmoral.
“But the Queen told me herself how much she adored this 100-room pile set in a 50,000-acre estate beside the River Dee where she could be a mum and a wife — a world away from her life as the most famous woman on the planet.
“On a tour in India, I once asked her: ‘Why do you always go to Balmoral? Wouldn’t you like to go somewhere else?’
“She replied: ‘Where else could I go?’ I said: ‘You’re the Queen, you can go anywhere in the world.’
“She smiled at me and said: ‘But I quite like it there.’”
Balmoral public visit
While the ‘golden ticket’ tour gave rare access to a number of the impressive Balmoral rooms, the castle gardens and the balloon have been open to the public since 1931.
Balmoral Castle is open to the public every day from April to July, while no members of the Royal Family are there.
Opening times are from 10am till 5pm, with the last recommended admissions at 4pm.
It is also possible to book a short stay at several of the guest cottages on the grounds.
When His Majesty visits Balmoral he stays in a cottage, hidden away from prying eyes, The Sun was told.
Although that doesn’t mean he is not up for a chat with visitors.
In fact, his protection officers often encourage starstruck visitors to stop him for a conversation, a ranger revealed.