One moment they talk about the Queen Mother being Scottish, then they try to say the Queen is only German. These statements cause confusion for people causing the thought that the Royal Family is still wholly German when it isn't. When Diana passed away I totally understood why the family stayed in Scotland at the time, the Princes were devastated at losing their Mother. It seemed that the "people" forgot there were children involved in their own personal grief who needed their "Grandmother and Father" to help them through the shock and trauma of losing their Mother whom they were so close to.

It annoys one to hear even reputable historians assuring us that the Royal Family is 'in the main German'. Firstly, the present sovereign had a Scottish mother, and secondly, and more pertinently, how long do people have to live in a country before we all admit that they are English? Besides which, even if they were 100% German and spoke with heavy German accents (not since George II!), what difference would it make. The Queen is quintessentially English and SUPERB...!

I would never be bored there. I would go to the library and read the books. Or go in the kitchen and talk to the help.

I simply love Highlanders. They represent the Scottish soul. Royal Family contribution to Scottish and British culture is paramount. In my opinion, they play an extraordinary role as the most important link between Scotland and England.

Now I know why my Great Grandmother loved her hideaway at Peel Forest. The genetic heritage of a family cannot be denied.

There are a few electric fan heaters. I live nearby and my heating is still off for the summer, Birkhall now has biofuel heating but Charles and Camilla often spend time there over the winter so would need it.

WOW...a monarchy nearly 1000 years old being reduced down to the 15 years of Diana....the poor metropolitan princess who was unprepared to be a royal, although historians and biographers forget to mention that she was from one of the richest aristocratic families in England, and was brought up on a huge and LAVISH estate.

Long live our most Scottish Queen!

@2010dispencer We'll never know how The Queen feels about Lady Thatcher however several indicators point to you being wrong. Lady Thatcher was installed with the Order of Merit which is in the personal gift of the Sovereign, also The Queen has attended Lady Thatcher's 70th, 80th an 85th birthday parties an unprecedented move as Her Majesty NEVER attends subjects private occasions so perhaps don't believe the hype?

Silly PMs and disinterested Princesses (although I otherwise loved Diana)...I would LOVE to be able to fish and trek on the Balmoral Estate.

Take away the rain and plaid and you'd have... MICHIGAN.

The Queen became Queen in 1952 not 1962.

Yeah I remember that photo of Mrs Blair how rude LOL!

@2010dispencer Thatcher had the occasional air of superiority around her which didn't go down too well at the palace. She didn't visit Scotland that often either - lol

Windsor and Balmoral have had quite different guests.

Is it true that there's no heating at Balmoral? How on earth do they sleep at night?!

I think one of President didn't really like Balmoral I think was Jimmy Carter I know President Reagan rode with the Queen on horseback

I think I hear that story I think also Queen and Prince Phillip spoke pretty good German and French

How do you know she didn't like Margaret Thatcher?

Seemingly the UK is only"bits".

The Scottish Parliament building is a monstrosity!!!!! What on earth was in the minds of those who let such a thing happen and at such great cost................ Pull it down and start again and this time take into account the dignity that should be inherent in a government building and the area it inhabits. I'm English and I grieve for the people of Edinborough.

May I ask you where did you get that information? I've read they have been on a friendly terms. Even it is not true, I do not believe that the Queen (an epitome of Etiquette) would do that -- it is absolutely rude thing to do.

Okay so it's an invented history but what country does not have an invented history. A t least ours is rooted in some kind of truth. It is interesting to hear a bunch of English snobs and apologist lowland Scots dishing highland culture, invented or not. Highland games are fun and the brand brings in millions in tourist revenue. A cynical attack yet again on the highlander and those who love it.

Okay maybe I getting my guest lineup I just thought of something Reagan went to Windsor castle he didn't go to Balmorial

Hahaha it's that easy to make a typo? I am a disgrace and thank you for the correction. A friend's nephew is a footman in BP and I myself have been there because of a work related matter. The less said about that the better as I don't want to end up in a North Face bag in my bath!

I think you mean 1952,and not 1962?(and I meant 60 year reign not 62 we are doing well!LOL)) As far as my information is concerned,I cannot divulge my source,but suffice it to say that a BP footman knows quite a lot,but (usually) says little. I am(and never have been) a footman,but know several. No, I am not referring to Privy Council meetings,where they do stand(brought in by Queen Victoria by the way)I was referring to the weekly Prime Minister's audience.

I just don't believe that's true

Her Majesty suceeded to the throne in 1962 therefore her reign has been 60 years so far. Where did you hear of the standing issue with Prime Minister Thatcher? I have heard they weren't the best of friends but perhaps you are referring to Privy Council meetings where the attendees stand to keep the meetings brief.

In the Queen's 62 year reign she has had a weekly audience with her Prime Minister (wherever she happens to be,home or abroad). The Prime Minister has to stand until asked by the Queen to sit,all her Prime Ministers (except Thatcher) have been asked to sit. She didn't like Thatcher,so Thatcher had to stand throughout the audience(all audiences)

...and Thatcher was grotty towards the British People too! That, the Queen didn't like either!