Now Grant Harrold, who worked as a butler for Charles between 2004 and 2011, said he believes the “main reason” the monarch opened his Scottish home is to provide the family with additional revenue, something which he labelled a “very viable business move”.
Speaking on behalf of Slingo, he said: “The decision to open up Balmoral to the public will also create revenue for the royal family and allow people to see rooms they’ve never got to see in before.
“I imagine the continued demand for tickets, despite the cost, will be unbelievable. “
Mr Harrold also suspected the public might get to view the “iconic room” where the late Queen had her last official photo taken with former Prime Minister Liz Truss.
He explained: “You’ll see some of the most significant rooms, such as reception rooms, definitely not bedrooms. It’s going to be the entrance hall, and some rooms off of that you’ll get to see.
“I’m also wondering if the public might get to see a room a lot of people will recognise, which is the room where the Queen had official audiences with the Prime Ministers, it was where her last photo was taken.
“I’m wondering if that is one of the rooms the public will get to see, because it is such an iconic room, it’s possible it could be, but only time will tell.”
The former royal butler added: “For any royal enthusiasts, it’s a very exciting prospect, and equally of the East Wing at Buckingham Palace, the fact they’ve opened that is also a big thing. It’s been done for many reasons, but the main reason is, it will generate revenue which will keep these properties running, as they have massive overheads.
“I’m sure they’ll do absolutely fine as Balmoral is an estate and there’s a lot of money to be made on the estate. This is a very viable business move, as well as giving royal enthusiasts an amazing opportunity to see inside.”
