Royal fans set to get first glimpse inside King Charles' Balmoral home as doors open to public

For the first time in history, the interior design preferences of The King will be on show as Balmoral is opened up to the public for extensive tours.

Charles has decided to open the doors of his Scottish retreat to the public, offering them an insight into the Royal family's life in the Highlands. Starting from Monday, visitors can embark on guided tours around various rooms within the Aberdeenshire castle. This tradition-rich venue, beloved by numerous monarchs since Queen Victoria's reign, comfortably sits amongst local Scots who have a fond sentiment towards their regal neighbours.

James Hamilton Goddard, who manages visitor enterprises for the Balmoral Estate, and his team have been dedicatedly preparing the entrance hall, red corridor, main and family dining rooms, page's lobby, library and drawing room for public viewing.

He shared: "It's a magnificent place, I think the King wants people to see (it). We were asked, my department, to put this together and we put this together. The lucky ticket holders will come away having had a glimpse into the Royal family's holiday home thats exactly what it is, it feels very homely."

The library at Balmoral Castle used by King Charles as his working study

Charles continues a long lineage of kings and queens who have made their mark on Balmoral ever since Victoria and Prince Albert became smitten with the area, culminating in the construction of the castle in the 1850s. In line with this tradition, The King has reinstated the Hunting Stewart tartan carpets in the drawing room - hearkening back to the original floor coverings that Victoria saw fitted brilliantly throughout the stately home.

Inside Balmoral Castle, Victorian artist Sir Edwin Henry Landseer's paintings line the walls, curated by Charles. He shares his ancestor Queen Victoria's passion for Landseer, a renowned painter and sculptor best known for the lions at Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square.

Exhibits at Balmoral Castle, which will be on show as part of a private tour at the castle for the first time since it was completed in 1855.

A new portrait of King Charles was recently released for Armed Forces Day

Landseer spent his summers imparting art lessons to none other than Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in Balmoral. The castle conceals within its structure a library once a dining room for Victoria and her consort, but now it serves as a working study for the King, entertaining dignitaries from all corners of the world.

The assortment of books harbours titles on Scottish history, emphasizing Highland clans, Albert's speeches, novels, poetry, and art. Mr Hamilton Goddard remarked: "The public actually seeing the library, which is now used as His Majesty's study, is just possibly one of the most beautiful rooms of the entire residence."

A full-size bronze statue of Malcolm Canmore, who reigned over the Scots in the 11th Century, will be on show as part of a private tour at Balmoral

A variety of unique items tip-toe around historical importance like the chauffeur's whistle, previously used to summon the driver, located in the red corridor formed with flock wallpaper commissioned by Victoria from William Morris, a pioneer of arts and crafts.

Guests may also seize the opportunity to lay eyes on the dinner gong, a relic made from materials rescued from British warship Temeraire, the ship with a battlefield history tied to the Battle of Trafalgar.

This fireplace is the only item in the castle that was retrieved from the original castle and which dates back to the 1830'

Guided tour tickets, which were priced at £100 or £150 with afternoon tea included, sold out within 24 hours of release. The tours, which allow 40 visitors per day, will run from July 1 to August 4. The tours commence before the King and Queen's arrival at Balmoral for their summer holiday, but there's a Royal touch for those indulging in cake and sandwiches.

At Charles' request, tea will be served on a replica of the White Stewart Tartan China, typically used by the Royal family at Balmoral. Previously, visitors could only explore Balmoral's ballroom and castle grounds. However, the new tour will also include a visit to the ballroom where Victoria hosted dances and where the Royal family still holds Ghillies' balls to entertain staff.