Every summer for the past 150 years, Britain’s Royal Family has relocated to Balmoral Castle, set within a sprawling rural estate in the Scottish Highlands where they spend a month hunting, salmon fishing, barbecuing, and dressing up in kilts. Where did this love affair originally come from and why is it stronger than ever? From the story of how Balmoral was acquired to how it became the Royals' favorite home-away-from-home, it's time to explore the stories surrounding one of the United Kingdom's most treasured estates.
Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the history of Balmoral Castle, with a focus on the Royal Family's close relationship with Scotland, its culture, people, and landscape throughout the generations.
Led by historian and writer Claire Prentice, our unique virtual experience of this magnificent property will include:
- The origins of the Royal connection with Scotland, including the role of the great Scottish novelist Walter Scott as ringmaster of a Royal Pageant during the state visit of King George IV in 1822
- A discussion of the architecture and interior design of Balmoral Castle, its influences and how the Scottish baronial and gothic revival building has changed over the years to meet the needs of its owners
- A description of the 50,000-acre estate which surrounds the Castle
- The role of the Royals in promoting an image of Scotland all over the world as a land of heather-covered hills, tartan, bagpipes, and kilts
- The close association Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had with 19th Century Aberdeenshire — the region of Scotland where Balmoral is located
- Intimate stories surrounding Queen Elizabeth and her family at Balmoral, from family picnics, country drives, and who was deemed the “king of the barbecue”; to a recent project to raise money for charity by turning the furnishings of Balmoral into wearable works of art
- A look at King Charles’s relationship with Scotland, ranging from his formative experience at a Scottish boarding school, to his children’s book, to his love of the kilt (which is not shared by his two sons)
- How Scotland’s changing politics, and its desire for independence, could impact the relationship between the Royals and Balmoral
Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Claire — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week!
See you there, virtually!
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***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!
About Claire
Claire Prentice has presented radio documentaries for the BBC and NPR, and is the bestselling author of Doctor Ice Pick, Miracle at Coney Island and The Lost Tribe of Coney Island. Her most recent work, Curse of Riches, tells the epic true story of the Wendels, Gilded Age New York’s most dysfunctional family.
Claire’s work uncovers hidden histories and the compelling, flawed characters at the center of them. She was born in Edinburgh, Scotland and has lived in New York, Boston, Charlottesville, Washington D.C, and Madrid, Spain.
Testimonials
"Loved hearing about the royal family." -Andrea
"Photos of the current castle grounds, exterior, interior and historic photos as well" -Candace
"I liked how the historical footage was mixed with more current information" -Linda
"Well run and great presenter. kept everything engaging" -Jennifer
"Presenter was extremely knowledgeable and had great photos and videos." -April
"The presenter was very informative and a pleasure to listen to." -Paul
"Thoroughness, detail, variety of approaches to the topic" -Dorothy
"Well organized. The presenter has personal experience of living in the country and has an affection for her subject. Wonderful clips especially the one of the Royal Family dancing." -Ana
"Excellent content and narration...overall a lovely event- thank you!" -Joanne
Disclaimer
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Photo Credit: Main - Getty Images
Categories: Virtual, Landmarks
