Which Scottish castle did Queen Victoria purchase in 1852?

Queen Victoria purchased Balmoral Castle in Scotland in 1852.

More precisely, the estate and its original castle were bought privately by Prince Albert, Victoria’s husband, for their family. Victoria and Albert had first visited Scotland in 1842 and became increasingly fond of the Highlands. They acquired the Balmoral estate from the Farquharson family, with the sale completed in 1852.

The existing house soon proved too small for the growing royal family and their staff. A new castle was commissioned from William Smith, Aberdeen’s city architect, with important design changes made by Prince Albert. Construction began in 1853, and the new building was completed in 1856. The older castle was later demolished.

Balmoral was a private royal residence rather than Crown property, meaning it belonged personally to the monarch’s family. Its Scots Baronial design and Victoria and Albert’s enthusiasm for Highland traditions helped popularise an idealised image of Scottish culture. The estate later passed through the royal family to King Charles III.