LONDON: King Charles III’s private estate in the Scottish Highlands could soon be transformed into an exclusive wedding venue if plans submitted to the local Aberdeenshire Council are approved.
The proposal aims to allow “weddings, dinners, meetings, and associated events” to take place at the Queen’s Building on the royal Balmoral Estate, according to council documents.
The Queen’s Building, located just north of Balmoral Castle, was originally built in the 1980s as staff quarters and a canteen. It was converted last year to serve as a dining space for visitors.
The submitted application seeks permission to host events for up to 277 guests indoors, with an additional 144 attendees accommodated on the outside patio. The proposal also includes requests to allow alcohol sales and play music at events, with live performances and dancing permitted until 12:30 am on rare occasions.
Despite these potential developments, a spokesman for the Balmoral Estate clarified Thursday that there were “no plans for Balmoral to host weddings as a commercial venture.”
Balmoral, covering 50,000 acres of forests, farmland, and grouse moors, has long been a favorite retreat of the royal family. The estate was particularly beloved by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away at Balmoral in September 2022 at the age of 96.
Originally purchased by Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert in the mid-19th century, Balmoral has remained a central part of royal life. In recent years, the estate has increasingly welcomed tourists, offering guided Land Rover tours and holiday cottages.
This year, under King Charles III’s reign, more of the estate has been opened to the public for the first time, with tickets for guided tours quickly selling out, despite prices starting at £100 ($130).
