The British royal family, known for its centuries-old traditions, has faced a significant change in one of its long-standing customs. The family has been prohibited from hunting on the Scottish estate near Balmoral Castle, marking the end of a 175-year-old tradition.
Since 1852, the royals have indulged in activities such as shooting, deer stalking, and fishing on the Abergeldie estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This pastime dates back to when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased the Balmoral estate, granting them access to the expansive 11,500-acre plot.
However, the dynamics changed when the estate was put up for sale in 2020. The new owner, Alastair Storey, has decided not to renew the royal lease. This decision implies that King Charles and his family no longer have the privilege to use the estate for their recreational activities. Storey, who acquired the estate for a whopping $28 million, has plans to transform the grounds for commercial shooting. Additionally, he intends to construct new accommodations on the estate, aiming to attract paying visitors who wish to partake in the sporting activities offered on the property.
According to documents filed with the Aberdeenshire council, the royal family's lease for sporting rights at Abergeldie has ceased. The documents state, "For the last 175 years, the Royal family have leased the sporting rights at Abergeldie but this has now ceased, and will be actively run by the new Laird."
Before the change in ownership, the Gordon family had held the estate for over half a millennium. The clan, one of the historically powerful Scottish clans, decided to sell the estate following the demise of the 21st Baron of Abergeldie, John Gordon. After Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's acquisition of Balmoral Castle in 1852, a leasing agreement was established, allowing them to use the Abergeldie estate grounds for various pastimes.
In the late 1990s, the Gordon family had increased the leasing fee for the estate. However, the late Queen Elizabeth II willingly agreed to the revised amount. The luxurious estate comprises 34 homes, cottages, lodges, and farmhouses. Notably, the estate does not include the Abergeldie Castle, which stands just two miles away from Balmoral Castle.
While the decision to end the royal lease might seem abrupt, reports suggest that there are no hard feelings between the parties involved. The Post has reached out to Buckingham Palace for further comments on the matter.
This development underscores the evolving relationship between the British monarchy and the properties they have historically been associated with. As the modern era ushers in changes, even age-old traditions of the royals are not immune to transformation.
