With family photos, plenty of books and even a corgi cushion, Queen Elizabeth II’s study at Balmoral Castle offered plenty of homely comforts not entirely different from our own.
Only Her Majesty’s, of course, were found alongside a grand piano, gilded flower vases, and probably priceless works of art.
The spacious study in the Queen’s Scottish estate is behind the drawing room and was believed to have been used by the late monarch to handle red shipping boxes.
It’s the setting of the moving, unseen photograph shared by Kensington Palace of the Queen – taken on the eve of her death – and released on what would have been Her Majesty’s 97th birthday today.
The image of the monarch was captured by the Princess of Wales at Balmoral in August. Weeks later, on September 8, the Queen would die at her beloved home in Aberdeenshire, sparking mourning in the UK and around the world.
The Queen in her element with some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Pictured next to Her Majesty are: Top row (L-R): Lady Louise Windsor, James, Earl of Wessex. Middle row (LR): Lena Tindall, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Isla Phillips, Prince Louis. Bottom row (L-R): Mia Tindall, Lucas Tindall, Savannah Phillips
Happily in the Scottish Highlands she loved so much, Her Majesty can be seen surrounded by some of her adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She appeared in her element with Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor, James, Earl of Wessex, Lena Tindall, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Isla Phillips, Prince Louis, Mia Tindall, Lucas Tindall and Savannah Phillips.
The new photo offers a rare glimpse into the Queen’s private world – and the personal trinkets, picturesque works of art and beloved family photos she decided to keep close to her.
1: CORGI KISSING
On the floor next to the sofa was a corgi cushion with orange illustrations of the dogs on a cream background
The Queen’s love for her corgis is well documented and this photo shows how she loved to be reminded of it while working in her study.
On the floor next to the sofa was a corgi cushion with orange illustrations of the dogs on a cream background.
Throughout a historic reign that spanned decades, a constant in the Queen’s life had always been her unwavering love for her Corgis, so much so that the pets have become a symbol of British royalty around the world.
Indeed, her lifelong devotion to her beloved pets helped her show a more candid side of the world, even penning “insanely funny” letters from her corgis to Jack Russells that belonged to her former equerry Sir Blair Stewart-Wilson.
2 & 8 & 12: FLOWERS
Among the more colorful additions to the room were three bouquets of flowers, two of which were placed in what appeared to be gilded flower vases
Among the more colorful additions to the room were three bouquets of flowers, two of which were placed in what appeared to be gilded flower vases.
With petals in summery pinks and tons of green, as well as one with vibrant roses, the floral decorations brightened up the room.
The roses were found on a side table next to the green couch, in a white and floral vase with a picture of the flower they housed.
Then on top of a cream-colored blanket, on the wing, was a plant with bright pink flowers. The vase for the plant was light blue with gold detailing around the top and bottom of the lavish item.
Finally, sitting between Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, a bunch of pale pink flowers was kept in a white vase, bordered with gold details.
3 & 5 & 6: FAMILY PHOTOS
Among the most personal items on display were moving family photos – including a photo of Princess Beatrice’s husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, holding their daughter Sienna Elizabeth at her christening (pictured right)
Among the most personal items on display were touching family photos – including a photo of Princess Beatrice’s husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, holding their daughter Sienna Elizabeth at her christening.
While for many the exact numbers are hard to discern, chances are the Queen’s beloved husband, Prince Philip, was among them, as well as other beloved relatives.
There also appeared to be a photograph of the late Her Majesty in the selection. An image to the left of the piano appeared to show the Queen holding flowers, while dressed in a red matching hat and cloak dress.
4: BIG PIANO
A grand piano was in the corner of the room in the photo – and didn’t seem to be used too much considering it was packed with stuff
A grand piano was in the corner of the room in the photo – and didn’t seem to be used too much considering it was cluttered with stuff.
For example, a flower cover was placed over the piano. This was possible to prevent one of the picture frames and flowers on it from breaking the piano.
7: SHELVES FILLED WITH BOOKS
Behind Her Majesty and some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren stood a filled wooden bookcase
Many members of the royal family are well-read, and it seemed that the Queen loved to indulge the reading pleasure of her loved ones.
Behind Her Majesty and some of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren stood a filled wooden bookcase.
The shelves seemed to be overloaded with various books, while above the bookcase there were countless treasured items.
Speaking to Femail, interior designer Benji Lewis explained that “low, open-fronted shelves are a practical way to store books because they are easy for a child to reach.”
9: ORNAMENTS
An ornament was placed on a wooden cupboard, next to the door. Positioned between two picture frames, the item – believed to be a ceramic white bowl – featured floral details
To ensure that a room is as comfortable as possible – while looking inviting and elegant at the same time – many like to place delicate ornaments in their home.
It seems the Queen had the same idea when decorating her study; an ornament was placed on a wooden cabinet next to the door.
Positioned between two picture frames, the item – believed to be a ceramic white bowl – featured floral details.
10 & 13: TARTAN THEMED ITEMS
There are several items that incorporate Highland details, including several family photo frames with tartan patterns
The Queen’s fondness for Scotland and her Scottish estate was no secret – and it seemed that Her Majesty drew a great deal of inspiration from her surroundings when determining the decor of her study.
There are several items that incorporate Highland details, including a checkered carpet with green, yellow and red colors.
Several family photo frames also featured tartan patterns — from a red version next to the door on a cabinet to the green one on top of the piano.
11: ARTWORK
The Queen’s chamber in Balmoral Castle had at least three beautiful framed works of art on its walls
Some believe that one’s studies are not complete without works of art – and it was clear that the Queen believed this idea.
For her room in Balmoral Castle had at least three beautiful framed works of art on its walls.
The first – placed closest to the door – showed a cliff surrounded by crashing waves, with cloudy skies above.
The second showed a snowy mountain range, while the third stuck to the theme of high features, seemingly with stone cliffs.
14: BENCH WITH FLORAL UPHOLSTERY
The Queen and some of her loved ones sat on a green sofa embellished with floral details
The Queen and some of her loved ones sat on a green sofa embellished with floral details.
Interior designer Benji said: ‘Deep button detail is a feature often seen on a Victorian Chesterfield sofa; this is a cracker that appears to be in pristine condition despite its apparent age.
“It’s probably been restored and reupholstered when needed rather than thrown out and replaced with something modern.”
“Using cord to follow the contours of the sofa’s armrests and along the front rail is incredibly clever and works beautifully here.”
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