Touring Britain's Most Iconic Summer Castle: Balmoral скачать в хорошем качестве

Touring Britain's Most Iconic Summer Castle: Balmoral

Rising majestically from the Scottish landscape, Balmoral Castle stands as an icon of Victorian architecture, its silvery granite walls and soaring turrets creating an unforgettable silhouette against the dramatic backdrop. ------------------------------------------ Inside Anne, Princess Royal's "Old Money" Mansions:    • Inside Anne, Princess Royal's "Old Money" ...   ------------------------------------------ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction 0:43 Chapter 1: A Highland Castle Takes Shape 3:20 Chapter 2: Scottish Warmth Within Royal Rooms 6:12 Chapter 3: Royal Gardens Touch Highland Skies 9:02 Chapter 4: A Legacy Beyond Queen Victoria 12:02 Chapter 5: From Elizabeth II To Highland Tomorrow ------------------------------------------ When Queen Victoria first gazed upon the rugged Scottish Highlands, she envisioned a private paradise where Britain's most powerful family could escape the weight of their crowns. The castle's creation stemmed from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's profound connection to Scotland, kindled during their transformative 1842 visit, when the region's wild beauty and potential for private sanctuary captured their hearts. Their decision to build anew arose when the original Balmoral Castle, acquired in 1848, proved insufficient for royal needs, leading to the commission of architects John and William Smith to design a residence that would symbolize the Crown's embrace of Scottish heritage. Queen Victoria placed the foundation stone on September 28, 1853, launching an ambitious construction project that would demand the expertise of hundreds of skilled craftsmen working under the royal couple's attentive guidance. Inside, the castle reveals an enchanting world where Scottish heritage meets Victorian refinement, with warm interiors showcasing a thoughtful harmony of tartans, chintzes, and floral-patterned wallpaper set against distinctive pine-colored woodwork. The magnificent ballroom, home to the celebrated Ghillies' Ball, stands as the castle's crowning achievement, where plaid wallcoverings and ornately carved wooden cabinets create a backdrop for gilded portraits and spectacular chandeliers. Beyond the castle walls, Balmoral's 50-acre gardens unfold as a living tribute to Prince Albert's horticultural passion, where every path and planting reflects his meticulous vision for this Highland paradise. After Queen Victoria's passing in 1901, successive monarchs maintained the cherished tradition of summer and autumn retreats, each finding in Balmoral's tranquil setting a perfect escape that reinforced their deep connection to Scottish culture. Following her coronation in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II transformed Balmoral into more than just a summer residence – it became her cherished sanctuary where royal duties gracefully merged with precious family moments away from London's relentless spotlight. The expansive estate provided the perfect backdrop for the Queen's beloved outdoor pursuits, from horseback riding through heather-covered hills to fishing in crystal-clear streams. Following Queen Elizabeth II's passing at Balmoral in 2022, King Charles III has ushered in a new era for the historic estate, implementing significant changes that honor tradition while embracing the future. Under his stewardship, Balmoral has opened its doors to the public for the first time, offering exclusive tours that provide unprecedented access to this royal sanctuary. Through centuries of change, Balmoral Castle stands as an enduring symbol of the profound connection between the British monarchy and Scotland, where tartan meets tradition and where even queens can pretend to be ordinary.