The Castle of Mey: The Queen Mother's Hideaway

Peek behind the curtain of The Castle of Mey, the secluded Royal bolt hole hidden deep in the Scottish highlands. 

Adored by King Charles and beloved by the late Queen Mother, this picturesque little castle was first brought into the royal fold over 70 years ago, in the summer of 1952. Reeling from the recent death of her husband, the Queen Mother was visiting a friend in the area when she saw the run down little castle perched on the edge of coast. “How sad it looks”, she reportedly exclaimed “Just like me”. She purchased the Castle for just £100, choosing this little corner of Scotland to heal from her grief.

We delve into the Queen Mother’s transformation of this Elizabethan pile from a derelict ruin into a sumptuous royal residence, bringing her unique taste (and armfuls of chintz) to each and every one of its rooms. It’s here she nurtured an awe-inspiring garden despite the harsh Scottish climate, and hosted some of the Royal’s most raucous parties. 

Now we reveal what this intimidating castle is really like to live in, explore why Princess Margaret always referred to is as "Mummy’s draughty castle”, and jump into the many secrets it has locked inside.