Balmoral Castle, Friday, September 5, 1879

At two I started off with Beatrice and Janie Ely (Sir Henry Ponsonby and General Gardiner having gone on to Ballater) in the landau and four, the postilions in blue, outriders in red, Brown in full dress, and Power behind our carriage. We arrived at four minutes to three, and waited in the carriage till we heard the train (special) was approaching, when we got out. In two or three minutes more they were there, and dear Arthur and Louise Margaret stepped out, and were warmly embraced by us. I gave her a nosegay of heather. She had also received others. The guard (Royal Scots) were out.

When we reached the Balmoral bridge, we went at a slow pace, passing under the arch composed of moss and heather, on which was wrought, in flowers, “Welcome to Balmoral” on one side, and “Ceud naille Failte” on the other, “A. W.” and “L. M.” on the outside of each; and there all the people stood—all our kilted people. The ladies and gentlemen, including Lord Chelmsford and Mr. Cross, Christian Victor, and Albert (Helena’s boys), and also the Misses Pitt, were there.

Arthur spoke a few words from the carriage, and then Dr. Profeit said a few words after which, preceded by the pipers playing, and all our kilted men and the rest following, we went at a very slow foot’s pace to the Castle.

At the gate three pretty little girls of Colonel Clarke’s (Bertie’s equerry staying at Birlthall) threw nosegays into the carriage, one being of marguerites. Every one who was there followed on foot.

Only Captain Fitzgerald came with Arthur and Louise Margaret.

When we got out, everybody having come up, Dr. Profeit proposed Arthur’s and Louischen’s health, which every one drank with cheers. Arthur thanked. Then we went in, and Arthur, Louischen, and the two boys took tea with us in the library.

In Conversation with The Royal Butler
Balmoral Castle - The Queen’s Scottish Home. Balmoral Castle has been the home of the British Royal family since 1852. During his time with The Royal Household, Grant visited this castle and estate on many occasions as well as visiting the castle as a child with his parents and brother. Grant shares his memories and experiences at Balmoral.