Fun Facts About Balmoral Although it's been in the royal family for generations, the queen's parents were the first to really take a strong interest in the estate since Queen Victoria's reign. The residence is one of only two privately owned royal residences; the other is Sandringham House. Because these two houses are privately owned, after the abdication of Edward VIII, a new financial settlement had to be made in order to pass them to his brother, the new George VI, while the former king was still alive. During certain times of year, Balmoral is open to the public. Guided tours are available, usually from around April through July. Image Source: Getty / Jane Barlow/PA Images