The British Royal Family's primary residence in Scotland is Balmoral Castle, located in Aberdeenshire. Unlike Buckingham Palace, Balmoral is a privately owned estate, purchased by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1852. It served as the beloved summer retreat for the late Queen Elizabeth II and continues to be a favorite escape for King Charles III. The estate spans over 50,000 acres and is used for hiking, fishing, and traditional Highland "Ghillie" activities. However, for "official" royal duties in Scotland, the monarch uses the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, which sits at the end of the Royal Mile. While Balmoral is a "country home" where the family can live relatively private lives, Holyroodhouse is the "state" residence used for investitures and the annual "Holyrood Week." Both are significant landmarks, but Balmoral remains the "emotional heart" of the royals' connection to the Scottish Highlands, famously being the place where Queen Elizabeth II chose to spend her final days.