The Queen used a hidden lodge at Balmoral so she and Prince Philip could be like any ‘ordinary married couple’
The Queen used a hidden lodge at Balmoral so she and Prince Philip could be like any 'ordinary married couple'.
- The Queen stayed in a hidden lodge with Prince Philip so she could act like an 'ordinary married couple' it's been revealed.
- Her Majesty would get comfortable at the modest seven-bedroom Craigowan Lodge.
- This royal news comes as the telling sign that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle aren’t A-list celebrities yet is revealed.
The Queen used to spend the first couple of weeks of her summer Balmoral break staying in a hidden lodge on the estate so she and her husband Prince Philip could act like an 'ordinary married couple'.
Her Majesty has arrived at Balmoral - her favourite holiday home in the UK, but while the break will be a bittersweet one without Prince Philip, it's expected that it will give some much-needed rest.
And as the Queen looks back fondly on her time spent there over the years, with great-granddaughters Lady Louise Windsor and Princess Charlotte sharing an adorable pastime, it's hoped she will be joined by other members of the royal family and also Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie.
But before anyone joins, historically, the Queen and Prince Philip would have a few weeks to themselves living in a much-scaled down property - seven-bedroom Craigowan Lodge - than their usual palace.
And according to Channel 5 documentary, Secrets of the Royal Palaces, the Queen spent time here following the death of Prince Philip and has previously stayed there with him.
Royal expert Wesley Kerr told viewers, “I don’t imagine that she’s doing the cooking or anything, but she and the Duke are able to be there as an ordinary married couple without the grandeur."
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
He added, "I think the Queen sees the grandeur in these amazing houses as, sort of, part of the job.
“But the Queen, like anybody else,” he added, “can only be in one room at a time. So one room in a small house is probably a rather nice change.”
The Queen is said to love the Highlands - 50,000 acres away from the public eye.
Princess Eugenie once revealed on ITV’s Our Queen At Ninety documentary, "I think she really, really loves the Highlands.
“Walks, picnics, dogs – a lot of dogs, there's always dogs – and people coming in and out all the time.
“It's a lovely base for Granny and Grandpa, for us to come and see them up there; where you just have room to breathe and run,” she added.
You can find out more about Balmoral castle in the video below...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yC5IP_CXDA
Prince William and wife Kate along with the Cambridge kids usually spend some time with the Queen on the estate over the summer period but it's not yet known when they will make the journey.
Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)
-
Compromising may be killing your relationship - here are 5 ways to reach healthy compromises, according to relationship expert
Compromising isn't always the best way to keep the peace in a relationship
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Best interactive pets for kids: 15 gift ideas for children of all ages
From puppies to axolotls, take a look at our selection of the best interactive pets you can buy that are sure to be a hit with little animal lovers
By Sarah Handley Published
-
Prince George, Charlotte and Louis won’t move into Buckingham Palace when their dad becomes King, according to this royal expert
The 'cold and impersonal' Palace isn't the ideal family home
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Princess Charlotte would have meant ‘everything’ to late grandmother Princess Diana, reveals former royal butler
Despite never getting the chance to meet her, Princess Charlotte has so much in common with her late grandmother
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Carole Middleton has spent the entire Easter break with grandchildren Prince George, Charlotte and Louis - and enjoyed a surprise ‘low-key’ outing with son-in-law Prince William over the weekend
The grandmother is doing everything she can to help the Wales children through Kate Middleton's cancer diagnosis
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Princess Charlotte's favourite snack usually requires a 'refined palate' - would your kids choose it?
Princess Charlotte has inherited her love for this grown-up from her mum Kate Middleton
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
The sweet way Prince George, Charlotte and Louis are helping Kate Middleton through her recovery - and it proves they have inherited this important trait from their mum
The Wales children are keen to help their mum throughout her health struggles - and they're doing so in a way they've learnt from her
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William likely 'sugarcoated' cancer diagnosis for younger son Louis, the King's former butler says, but it was a little different for Prince George and Princess Charlotte
The Prince and Princess of Wales made sure to break the news in as 'positive' of a way as possible
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton make surprise family trip for Easter - and it proves the couple are focusing on Prince George, Charlotte and Louis amid Kate’s health struggles
The Wales family are set to have a relaxing Easter break away from the public eye
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Rumours about Kate Middleton’s health have had a massive ‘impact’ on her children Prince George, Charlotte and Louis, reveals royal expert
"They are protective of their mother – especially as she has been unwell"
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published