King Charles III will allow public tours of Balmoral Castle for the first time in its 169-year history.

Around 70,000 people already visit the 50,000 acre-estate every year to see the grounds, gardens and exhibitions.

But for the first time in the castle's 169-year history, the public will be allowed to see inside what was Queen Elizabeth II's favourite home.

The Castle Interior Tour can be booked from July 1 to August 4, while the castle's ground are to be opened to the public from May 4 to August 11.

Peek into the history of the estate

"For the first time since the castle was completed in 1855, we have been granted permission to take you on a private tour with our experienced guides," the description reads.

"They will take you on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle," it adds, including the room in which the ailing Queen met with Liz Truss on September 6, 2022, two days before her death.

The description continues: "You will learn about the origins of the castle and how it has been loved by generations of the royal family.

"Travel through time from the purchase of the Balmoral by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, through to present day, where you can see how rooms within the castle are used today by their Majesty’s The King and Queen and other members of the royal family."

Tourism boost for Aberdeenshire

The estate - worth an estimated £120m - is one of Scotland's most popular tourist destinations and the King has reportedly been considering opening the site since taking the throne.

A Royal source told The Mirror in 2022 - less than two weeks after the Queen died - that His Majesty was considering turning the castle into a museum dedicated to his mother.

The said: "Looking at the number of properties and the number of working members of the Royal Family, the King will be looking at the properties and asking: 'What value does this give to the public?'"

People on the tour this summer will have the chance to visit the ballroom in the castle, the King's watercolour collection, as well as a number of outfits worn by Charles, Camilla, Queen Elizabeth II and The Queen Mother.

Only 40 tickets are being issued each day, costing £100 for the tour and £150 for the tour with afternoon tea included.

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