King Charles faces questions over council tax on royal homes

King Charles is being asked to clarify how much tax he pays on his two Scottish residences, Balmoral Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, after a formal letter from a Scottish government official.

Aberdeen Central MSP Jack Middleton confirmed he wrote to the King seeking clarity on the matter, following new council tax changes affecting second homes in the region. 

Starting this September, Aberdeenshire Council introduced a 200% premium on second homes, meaning affected properties, including Balmoral, would now be taxed at three times the standard rate. 

Edinburgh City Council is also set to introduce its own premium, a 300% increase, which would apply to Holyroodhouse at four times the standard rate.

In his letter, Middleton pointed out that since Balmoral and Holyroodhouse are considered secondary residences separate from the King's primary home at Clarence House, they should be subject to these new tax rules. It remains unclear whether King Charles has responded to the inquiry.

Balmoral holds deep personal significance for the royal family, having long served as the late Queen Elizabeth II's favourite retreat, where she enjoyed activities like horseback riding and countryside drives each summer. King Charles and Queen Camilla have continued that tradition, spending time at both Balmoral and nearby Birkhall.