We went to Scotland in 2019. From Aberdeen we looked at a map, and decided we wanted to check out the Highlands, but didn't have a bunch of time to research. So we saw a castle on the map, and figured we'd go there and ask around about what to do. That castle turned out to be Balmoral.
So we are driving up a windy road, and end up noticing traffic getting thick. To the right on a hill is a church with people all around, so our assumption was a wedding. The GPS says we are close to the castle. Then we get turned to a grass field to park, and at this point, well, close enough. We'll walk to the castle. So we park ,walk up a road, and it's lined with people. So finally we ask someone "what is going on here?"
"The Royal family is making their way from Balmoral to the Church for Sunday service!" Ah ha! Should be by in 20 minutes, we are told. Well, in that case, we stick around. So I find a nice spot, and we sit tight. Sure enough, they roll on by.
The future king?
Or maybe this one!
Anyway, it was pretty cool to just stumble into them. Later that day we were up at Glenshee Ski hill to do some hiking, and were told Prince Philip was up there hiking. At one point in the distance I spotted his Land Rover. It's a gorgeous area, if you can get there!
When we got to our Air BnB (which turned out to be a shed in a Scotish guy's back yard) I showed him the picture. "Are you ####ing kidding me? I've lived here all my life, never seen the Queen! You're here 5 minutes and she just pops up in front of you???"