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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
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Alexander Smail

Balmoral Castle: Why the Queen is at estate and where it is located

The Queen is currently being supervised at Balmoral Castle after Buckingham Palace revealed doctors were "concerned" about her health.

In the statement, it was revealed that "the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision".

Since then, all of the Queen's children have travelled to, or are en route, to Balmoral Castle to be by her side. The Duke of Cambridge is also journeying to the estate.

READ MORE — Queen under medical supervision at Balmoral as doctors 'concerned for her health'

In a statement, Prime Minister Liz Truss said: "My thoughts - and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom - are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time."

Here is everything you need to know about Balmoral Castle, including its relation to the Queen and where it is.

What is Balmoral Castle?

Balmoral Castle is a large estate home in Scotland owned by Queen Elizabeth II. It has been used as a residence of the Royal Family since 1852.

It was first bought by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. The two were so enamoured by the Scottish Highlands during their first visit to Scotland in 1842 that they vowed to return.

Once they purchased the land, the pair decided to rebuilt the property to better suit their needs. The estate was designed by Aberdeen architect William Smith.

Construction was completed in 1856, and the estate was used by Queen Victoria until her death in 1901. After this, it was passed to King Edward VII, and from him to each of his successors.

While the estate remains largely the same since Queen Victoria's reign, successive owners have made improvements and additions, and have used it as a country retreat.

According to the official Balmoral website, "the Queen and The Prince of Wales take a close personal interest in running and improving the Estate."

Following health concerns, the Queen has been staying at the Balmoral estate since August, and it is where she welcomed new Prime Minister Liz Truss.

This marked a breaking of tradition, as these meeting are usually held at Buckingham Palace.

Where is Balmoral Castle?

Balmoral Castle is located is located near the village of Crathie in Aberdeenshire, around 50 miles west of Aberdeen.

It is within the Cairngorms National Park, with the nearest train station and airport being located in Aberdeen.

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