NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

The Queen is offering budget holidays amid the cost-of-living crisis at the bargain price of just £15 per person per night.

Her Majesty has eight quaint cottages on her Balmoral Estate – and they’re already taking bookings for next year.

The Colt Cottages, which sleep up to five people, are the cheapest, with prices starting from £555.

The cost is based on a week-long stay during the period between January 7 to March 31.

This will set you back £79 per night for a family-of-five or just £15.80 per person, per night.

However, two of the guests will need to sleep on sofa beds, which may dull the regal shine for some.

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of The Queen herself, none of the cottages are available when she is in residence, for obvious security reasons.

You can still brag to your friends that you’re spending your vacation at Balmoral – and you don’t need to tell them what you paid for your stay.

The affordable prices come as more and more people start feeling the pinch of sky-high inflation.

The Balmoral website reads: ‘Colt Cottages are situated in close proximity to the Castle, near the Estates Office and Stables.

‘Access is by the public road to Balmoral and thereafter by the private Estate road.

‘Bookings at Colt Cottage run on a Saturday to Saturday basis and the cottages are available throughout the year, with the exception of some weeks during The Royal Visit.

‘There are two cottages, which are semi detached. They can be occupied separately or if required they can be used together by one large family.

‘Each cottage consists of a lounge with dining area and double sofa bed, kitchen – electric cooker, microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washing machine.’

They also each feature a double bedroom, single bedroom, and shower room with toilet.

The listing continues: ‘The cottages are connected to mains electricity with night storage heaters for space heating.

‘There is a television and DVD player in the lounge. Unfortunately there is no telephone in the property, however there is Wi-Fi reception.’

Some of the cottages come at a higher price and are rented out for up to £1,620 per week.

The most expensive is Rhebreck Lodge which has a four star rating and sleeps six.

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Like many holiday lets, the prices here at Balmoral are based on the time of year and size and amenities at each property.

The website details: ‘Rhebreck Lodge is set in a quiet location at Easter Balmoral and enjoys wonderful views across the valley towards Crathie Church and also over the golf course…

‘Rhebreck Lodge is a detached property, which can sleep six people in comfort and consists of a lounge with log burner, dining room, dining kitchen, utility room, two double bedrooms, twin bedroom with day bed, shower room, and bathroom with separate shower.’

A Balmoral Castle and Estate spokesperson says of the opportunity: ‘As we approach the end of summer 2022 you might already be planning for 2023.

‘Following a very busy open season, which included some wonderful Platinum Jubilee celebrations, we too have started planning for 2023 at Balmoral.

‘Book now to avoid disappointment and join us for a relaxing break in one of our spacious and well-appointed Balmoral holiday cottages.’

Don’t forget to practice your signature Queen wave for your trip.

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