The bragging rights conferred by our "luxury Landrover expedition tour" of Balmoral almost compensated for its ridiculous cost and dullness. I won't soon forget the daggers in the look of a young matron we passed who had to push her large stroller from the public lot while we got to park within sight of the Queen's summer residence.
But more to the point, we're now just two degrees of separation from HRH herself. When I asked our driver if he had met Elizabeth personally he replied "When she's in residence, I meet with her every Monday and Tuesday." Along with scores of other royal subjects no doubt. Still . . .
I suppose I would have enjoyed the tour more if we hadn't seen so much of the Highlands on our own. Save yourself $360 and watch the video instead.
After reminding us that "Balmoral is not a zoo," George's commentary focused primarily on Prince Charles's conservation efforts which he took pains to distinguish from tree-hugging. Prince Albert, who bought Balmoral for Queen Victoria, cleared trees to improve hunting yields. Charles is re-foresting this area which, like all 50,000 acres of the estate, is completely open to the public when the Queen is not in residence. Cottages are also available to rent.
This waterfall is a popular picnicking spot. That's Thom & Chris on the wrought iron bridge.
We also got a glimpse of the royal livestock, including pens of ponies, which I learned refers to their size, not their age. Look at the blond bangs and braids on this one. I called her Mary J. Blige. According to George, Queen Elizabeth hopes to mount a pony once again when she arrives in September.
Our first glimpse of the front of the castle.
The castle's cornerstone was laid exactly a century before my birth and Elizabeth's ascension to the throne.
We were allowed to wander the grounds and enter the ballroom where photos were prohibited.
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