With its 50,000 acres of misty moors, vast lochs, and wide open spaces, it's no wonder that the queen's Scottish Highlands residence, Balmoral, is one of her favorite places to be. Every Summer without fail, her majesty heads north for a couple of months, and her family all come and visit while she's in residence — but what do they get up to when they're there? Over the decades, an intriguing stash of photos have amassed, showing insight into the lives of the queen and her loved ones at their least guarded — and proving it has been the backdrop for some very intimate family moments.
The queen is wearing a kilt made of the royal tartan. Woven in gray and purple, it's inspired by the granite and heather of the local surroundings.
Charles loves the area so much he wrote the children's book, The Old Man of Lochnagar, about it.
As small boys, William and Harry would take out sailboats out onto the river.
As children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne enjoyed a similar swing at Balmoral.
The meat used is often produced on the estate.
The young cousins often visited the sweet shop on the estate.
In 1952, the year the queen acceded to the throne.
Trout and salmon are the main fish to be caught.
Prince Philip continues to fish in his 90s.
The prince is Patron of the Salmon and Trout Association.
The princess-to-be was taught by one of the estate's groundskeepers.
Exactly one year earlier, it was also where it became public knowledge that the pair were in a relationship.
The family was captured in a set of images in 1957.
This picture was taken just a month before the death of his mother in 1997.
The Ghillies Ball is one of the highlights of the Summer — the queen hosts the event for her Highland staff and best-known locals.
With her Aug. 21 birthday, Princess Margaret spent many of her special days at Balmoral.
Her majesty often dances a few Scottish reels with her staff and her neighbors.
Members of the public can explore the grounds themselves from April 1 to July 31 every year.
Harry grew up exploring the vast estate every Summer with his brother and cousins.
The royal couple honeymooned at Balmoral in 2005 and returned for their one-year anniversary. Seen here going to a church service at Crathie Kirk on the grounds, both in the royal tartan.
As a young boy, Prince Charles rode a deer statue at the property, watched by members of his family, including his grandfather, the king.
The queen was dressed immaculately for a set of official photographs, but can usually be spotted at the property in kilt, walking boots, and a knotted headscarf.
There are also deer, grouse, and ponies on the estate.
Over the years, prints of his water colors have raised £6 million for charity.
The young princes would play hide and seek with their father in the grounds.
The new royal couple spent six weeks at Balmoral as a kind of extended honeymoon.
In the documentary filmed to mark the queen's 90th birthday this year, Princess Eugenie said that the queen is at her happiest at Balmoral.