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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Danya Bazaraa

Inside the Queen's rarely-seen UK castle she last visited six years ago with Philip

The Queen has a little-known castle which she hasn't been able to visit for six years.

Hillsborough Castle in County Down serves as the Queen's official residence when she visits Northern Ireland.

Her Majesty last visited with the late Prince Philip in 2016, but hasn't been back since.

Last year she was forced to cancel her two-day trip to Northern Ireland after being advised take some time out of her schedule.

She pulled out of the trip in October just five hours before she was due to arrive.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement at the time: "The Queen has reluctantly accepted medical advice to rest for the next few days.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visiting in 2016 (WireImage)

"Her Majesty is in good spirits and is disappointed that she will no longer be able to visit Northern Ireland, where she had been due to undertake a series of engagements today and tomorrow.

"The Queen sends her warmest good wishes to the people of Northern Ireland, and looks forward to visiting in the future."

The Queen's royal residence has 100 acres of garden as well as beautiful interiors, Hello reports.

Prince Philip and The Queen during a visit to the castle (Getty Images)

In 2014, the running of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens was taken over by Historic Royal Palaces.

A five-year refurbishment begun which is said to have cost £24 million.

During 2014 the Queen met Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers and posed alongside her in one of the castle's living rooms.

Charles unveiled a painting of himself in the castle (Getty Images)

After the home re-opened following the renovations in 2019, Prince Charles unveiled a painting of him in one of the property's drawing rooms.

The castle is open to the public year-round, although there are certain dates (such as Christmas) where it is closed, so it's worth checking before you travel.

The Queen with presenter Fiona Bruce at Hillsborough Castle (PA)

You can take guided tours of the castle and its elegant State Rooms, while in the summer months you may want to check out the picturesque grounds and gardens.

You can find out more on the Hillsborough Castle website.

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