Reports have emerged suggesting that the Queen will be starting to spend more time at her and the late Duke of Edinburgh's Balmoral summer holiday spot. Every year, Her Majesty, 95, and Prince Philip would stay at the private Craigowan Lodge at the Balmoral Estate for a week at the start of their summer break.
The Express reported that due to the Queen planning extended stays at the seven-bedroom guesthouse, which is about a mile from Balmoral Castle, renovations are currently taking place. Upgrades, to the cost of £20,000, include the addition of a "wheelchair-friendly" lift, a new security gate, more CCTV cameras and a state-of-the-art intercom system.
James Anderson, who is chairman of Ballater and Crathie Community Council, said local people will be pleased if the Queen spends more time in the area. He told the PA news agency: "Folk will be happy about that.
"We don't see much of her when she is on the estate. However, it generates a lot of income for the village and for the area when she's here. This is because of the amount of staff and the business it brings, it is a good thing. It is a very relaxing area and she likes it up here."
Local councillor Geva Blackett said local people will be delighted if the Queen visits more often. She said: "We always welcome the Queen here, she is part of the community.
"We would love her to be here more if that's what she wants to do. You see her around, when there wasn't Covid you would see her in church. She is very much part of the community and we love her. She is a very familiar figure and much loved."
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said it will not be commenting on the matter.
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