A glimpse of how the Royal Family spend their time at their Scottish hideaway is to be revealed in a new exhibition.
Visitors will see for the first time how the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh enjoy their breaks at Balmoral, as part of the monarch’s 90th birthday celebrations.
The items on display at the Deeside retreat have been selected to reveal the “lighter side” of Royal life.
For the first time, the Duke of Edinburgh’s engineering design skills, including a Land Rover he adapted to keep culled grouse cool while being transported back to the game larder.
An Austin Tilly from 1945 – which the Queen trained on while serving with the auxiliary territorial service – has also been loaned for the exhibition.
The then princess’s first solo public appearance came at the age of 16, with a visit to the Grenadier Guards. By then she had already been named colonel-in-chief of the regiment – effectively the link between the infantrymen and the Royal Family.
In February 1945, she signed up with the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service.
She joined as an honorary Second Subaltern but must have impressed in her duties as a driver and mechanic, as she rose to the rank of honorary Junior Commander within five months.
A post about the Highland Queen exhibition states it will “provide a unique insight into the Balmoral traditions upheld by the monarch for over 160 years.
“Queen Victoria began a number of traditions at Balmoral and these are continued today by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. – the annual Ghillies Ball, attended by royalty, guests, locals and staff; the visit to the Braemar Highland Gathering where the Royal Family enjoy watching events like tossing the caber, tug of war and Highland dancing.
“The exhibition will cover the more formal side of life too, from the prime minister’s visit, formal duties and the church which Her Majesty attends every Sunday.”
The area’s wildlife and a film on how the estate is managed today are also to be featured.
Staff at Balmoral will also giving away a “special birthday cupcakes” to every visitor on the Queen’s 90th on April 21 as part of the celebrations.
A giant screen will also be erected in front of the castle on May 15 so celebrate the QE90 event being staged at Windsor Castle.
Balmoral Castle is open to the public between March 25 and July 31.