King Charles ‘haunted by his mother’s death’ as he pays tribute to the Queen
King Charles has paid an emotional tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in a new book about Balmoral, shared by royal insiders RadarOnline.com it is the latest sign that the aging monarch remains deeply affected by the loss of his mother, almost four years after her death at the Scottish estate she loved most.
Charles, 77, who is battling cancer, reflected on the significance of Balmoral in the foreword Ball moralea new guide written by author Mary Miers.
The monarch used the introduction to celebrate the history of the Aberdeenshire estate, which has served as a royal retreat since it was purchased by Prince Albert in 1852.
He also offered a moving insight into Queen Elizabeth’s enduring affection for the estate, where she spent her final days before her death in September 2022 at the age of 96.
The foreword belongs to a watercolor of the castle that Charles completed in 1989.
Writing about the importance of the estate to generations of royal families, Charles says: ‘Balmoral has been my family’s beloved Scottish home since the estate was purchased in 1852 by Prince Albert, my great-great-grandfather.
“With its buildings of surprising individuality, which always fascinate, and its precious, almost sacred, surrounding landscape, it is a place where there is constant change, yet everything remains unchanged, with a sense of timelessness that refreshes the soul.”
“Since my earliest childhood it has held and continues to hold a uniquely special place in the hearts of my family and myself, and my late mother in particular cherished her time at Balmoral. It was here, in this most beloved of surroundings, that she chose to spend her final days,” he continues.
A palace source told us: “The king’s words show how powerfully Balmoral remains in his memories. It’s not just a family home for him – it’s the place most closely associated with his mother and some of the defining moments of her life. Writing about the estate inevitably brings those emotions back to the surface. He remains utterly haunted by his mother’s death.”
Another insider familiar with royal affairs said: “Those close to the King know he continues to feel the loss of Queen Elizabeth deeply. Balmoral was one of her happiest places, and each visit serves as a reminder of both her life and her passing. There is a deep sense of personal connection there that has never diminished.”
The guide provides readers with a detailed overview of the history, architecture and landscape of the estate, which has become increasingly accessible to the public during Charles’ reign.
The King continued in his foreword: ‘Whatever the circumstances in which you read this book, I hope that you too will be inspired by the rich complexity of its architecture and share in the magic of the surrounding countryside, whose ‘wild and majestic’ landscape has been the source of inspiration and pleasure for so many.
A source close to the estate’s operations said: “Opening Balmoral more widely to visitors has been an important project for the King. He wants people to understand why the estate meant so much to the late Queen and why it still holds such a special place in the life of the Royal Family.”
Although parts of Balmoral were previously accessible, much of the castle remained closed to the public for many years, with only the ballroom regularly opening its doors for exhibitions and events.
That changed in 2024 when Charles approved tours of the castle interior for the first time.
Visitors can now explore the rooms in the historic residence, explore the wider estate and gardens and visit attractions including two mazes that the King helped design and a conservatory built in 2002 to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee.
The estate also includes a gift shop and restaurant, further expanding public access to one of the monarchy’s most beloved private residences.
