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The Queen has spent every summer at Balmoral since she was a child, with the Aberdeenshire retreat believed to be her favourite home.
The historic 50,000-acre property was bought by Prince Albert for about £32,000 in 1852, approximately £4 million in today’s money.
The estate remains privately owned by the Queen and is not publicly funded.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said the monarch’s annual holiday is a crucial “period of relaxation” from her hectic schedule.
He told Express.co.uk: “There’s no doubt that the Queen feels at home at Balmoral.
“She loves the relaxed pace of life in the countryside.
“If was the Queen was not our monarch, she would have very happy being a country woman, surrounded by nature, her dogs and horses.
“She is often joined by other royals at Balmoral, where they take part in outdoor sports, go on long walks and have barbecues.
“She also makes regular trips to Crathie Kirk, a small parish church near the property. Her religion has always been hugely important to her.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are expected to visit Balmoral soon to pay the Queen a visit.
The loved-up couple have kept a relatively low profile since May’s Royal Wedding, allowing the Duchess of Sussex to settle into her new life.
Mr Fitzwilliams said: “New members of the Royal Family are expected to pass the ‘Balmoral test’ when they visit the estate.
“The ability to feel at ease at the countryside is seen as a prerequisite for feeling comfortable in the Royal Family.
“It will be very interesting to see how Meghan fares, since she grew up in Los Angeles and is more used to urban life.”
Princess Eugenie, the Queen’s granddaughter, described Balmoral as the “most beautiful place on Earth” in a TV interview in 2016.
She added: “I think Granny is the happiest there, I think she really, really loves the Highlands – walks, picnics, dogs, a lot of dogs.
“Family-wise we’re all there, so it’s a lovely base for Granny and Grandpa, for us to come and see them up there.”
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