King Charles has broke royal tradition with plans to open Balmoral to the public for the first time ever.

King Charles is opening the doors to Balmoral Castle this year (Image: GETTY)

King Charles III breaks tradition with major move that “Queen Elizabeth II would have never done”, claims former royal butler Grant Harrold.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the monarch was set to open the doors of Balmoral Castle to the public – making this the first time in 169 years.

In an experience named ‘The Balmoral Experience’, the royal estate previously announced that the public will be allowed inside the interior rooms of Balmoral Castle for the first time later this summer.

Discussing major changes that the King has incorporated since becoming monarch in 2022, Mr Harrold pointed out the opening of the doors at Balmoral – noting this as one of “a lot of changes”.

Speaking on behalf of Fruity Slots, Mr Harrold said: “There are definitely elements of similarities between Charles and the late Queen.

“While there’s been a lot of changes, for instance Balmoral opening up again – that’s something the late Queen would never have done, that’s definitely very different.

“[King] Charles has taken on a lot of the late Queen’s charities and that’s very much him wanting to focus on his mother’s work.”

He added: “He’s not going to rush into his reign as King like a bull in a china shop, he’s going to take things very slowly and very carefully, making subtle changes as he goes.”

Speaking of the comparisons between the King and his late mother, he added: “Asides from his health, the biggest challenge Charles has probably faced as King is trying to live up to his mother’s name.

 

The late Queen with Prince Philip and their three eldest children outside Balmoral Castle in 1960 (Image: GETTY)

“Obviously Elizabeth, as I’ve said before, she was a one off. She had many years to do the job and become the Queen that we all knew and loved.

“For Charles to take that on, starting at such an old age and at the very beginning, that’s his biggest challenge – winning people over and getting them to see that he is a good King. I think it’s safe to say that he has done that.”

Taking to social media to announce the tours, Balmoral Castle revealed that they will take place between July 1 and August 4.

Tickets will be priced at £100, or £150 to include afternoon tea, while only 40 are available per day.

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The late Queen pictured at Balmoral two days before her death in 2022 (Image: GETTY)

As well as being given exclusive access inside the residence, visitors will “learn about Balmoral’s history and heritage” as the take a journey through its interiors.

The tour will include a number of rooms that are used today by King Charles and Queen Camilla, as well as other members of the Royal Family.

Other highlights of the tour will include a collection of outfits worn by Charles and Camilla, the late Queen Elizabeth II and the late Queen Mother.