Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle is a large stately home on the River Dee in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, current (as of 2004) summer residence of Queen Elizabeth II, who stays there for 12 weeks from August. It is built of granite and dominated by a square tower and circular turret.

The estate is approximately 60,000 acres (243 km²) in size and includes several small villages, two of which are inhabited entirely by staff of the estate.

Under the direction of the Prince of Wales, HRH Prince Charles, the castle is self sufficient in terms of food production, when the Queen is in residence.

See also