Aberdeenshire Council is reviewing an application that could transform part of King Charles III’s secluded Balmoral estate in the Scottish Highlands into an exclusive events venue. The proposal outlines plans for hosting weddings, dinners, and meetings at the Queen’s Building, situated just north of Balmoral Castle. Originally built in the 1980s as a canteen and staff quarters, the building was converted last year to serve as a dining area for estate visitors.
If the application is approved at next week’s council licensing board meeting, the venue will accommodate up to 277 guests inside and an additional 144 on an outdoor patio. The application also seeks permission to serve alcohol and play music until 12:30 a.m., noting that events will be infrequent. Submitted in April, the plans highlight the potential for live performances and dancing at the estate, which has increasingly opened its grounds to the public over recent years.
Nestled within 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares) of moors, forest, and farmland, Balmoral is about 50 miles (31 kilometers) west of Aberdeen. The estate was a favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away there in September 2022 at the age of 96. Privately owned by the British monarch, Balmoral was acquired by Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, in the mid-19th century, and has since become a cherished royal retreat, especially during the summer.
King Charles III has continued efforts to expand public access to Balmoral, introducing holiday cottages, Land Rover tours, and guided visits to the estate. This year, the venue was fully opened to the public, offering insights into royal life that were swiftly embraced by visitors—tickets for the estate tours sold out within a day, despite prices starting at £100 ($130).