Royal wedding: Couples could get married at Balmoral under King Charles' plans

Couples could soon get married in the grounds of Balmoral under new plans by the Royal Family.

King Charles is seeking permission to turn the Queen’s Building on the sprawling estate in Aberdeenshire into a venue for “weddings, dinners, meetings and other events”.

The plans come as the estate becomes more publicly accessible with tours now available of the castle – with the proposed wedding venue in the hall on the north of the estate just yards away.

The building was initially built to accommodate staff with an adjoining canteen, but it was converted last year to fit a large dining area for visitors flocking to the tourist attraction.

Papers submitted to Aberdeenshire Council show events “may involve live performances and dancing” with alcohol potentially being sold until 12.30am.

Plans submitted for wedding venue at Balmoral Aberdeenshire Council

Charles is the latest in a long line of the kings and queens who have added their own stamp to Balmoral since Victoria and Prince Albert fell in love with area and had the castle built in the 1850s.

The King has changed the drawing room carpets back to Hunting Stewart tartan, which was the original style of floor coverings Victoria had fitted in the castle.

Balmoral’s walls are hung with paintings by Victorian artist Sir Edwin Henry Landseer selected by Charles, who has inherited his great great great grandmother Victoria’s passion for the painter and sculptor.

Landseer is best known for creating the lions at the base of Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square and was invited to Balmoral every summer to teach Victoria and Albert painting.

The castle’s library, which was once Victoria and her consort’s breakfast and lunch room, is today used by the King as his working study where he has welcomed dignitaries from across the globe.

The books lining the shelves include tomes on Scottish history – particularly Highland clans – Albert’s speeches, as well as novels and books on poetry and art.