Royal Family shares rare peek inside the Queen and Prince Philip's Balmoral vacation home in adorable new photo

The Royal Family has released a touching photo of the Queen with the late Prince Philip and their great-grandchildren at their gorgeous vacation home

HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND - UNDATED: In this image, made available November 18, 2007, HM The Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh re-visit Broadlands, to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on November 20. The royals spent their wedding night at Broadlands in Hampshire in November 1947, the former home of Prince Philip's uncle, Earl Mountbatten. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Tim Graham/Getty Images)

The Royal Family has granted the public a rare glimpse inside the Queen and Prince Philip's holiday home following the late royal's death aged 99

The Royal Family has released a touching photo of Queen and Prince Philip at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, giving the public a rare peek into their mysterious summer hideaway. 

The never-before-seen snap features the powerhouse couple surrounded by seven of their great-grandchildren at the plush property in 2018. Her Majesty is pictured cradling Prince Louis, the thirdborn of Prince William and Kate Middleton, as she sits between his older siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. 

Zara and Mike Tindall's daughters, Lena and Mia are also present, along with Peter Phillip's children, Savannah and Isla. The sweet image was captured by Kate Middleton, who has been praised in the past for her 'amazing eye for photos.' 

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While the exact date of the photo has not been confirmed, it was likely taken at some point over the summer months. 

The Queen and Prince Philip have always spent the sunny season at Balmoral Castle, where they can wind down properly after a year of intense royal duties. Perched in the gorgeous Scottish highlands, this 50,000-acre estate is the perfect retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life. The Queen's annual stay is filled with plenty of outdoor activities, including picnics, walks, and horseriding, as well as some much-anticipated visits from extended family members. 

Closed to the public for most of the year, Balmoral Castle's interior is rarely seen by the outside world. Kate's photo, which was taken in one of the property's living rooms, gives royal fans a glimpse into its elegant yet surprisingly simple decor. The palette is soft and consistent, with fresh pink flowers blooming behind a muted green sofa. A grand piano draped in an embroidered fabric sits in the background, reminding royal fans of the Queen's fondness for the classic instrument. The whole family is dressed to complement the subdued tones, donning a mixture of pastel and muted colors. 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.


Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.