King Charles, as the head of the Royal Family, has access to some of the most magnificent castles and palaces across the UK.
Despite this, he tends to favor his smaller, more intimate residences, such as Clarence House in London and Highgrove in Gloucestershire, where he spends much of his time. However, as a monarch, he also has the privilege of staying in much larger and historically significant properties.
One such residence is Hillsborough Castle in Ireland, which, despite its name, is actually an 18th-century Georgian country house. Located in the charming village of Hillsborough in County Down, the property has long served as an important home for visiting members of the Royal Family. While King Charles and Queen Camilla have stayed at Hillsborough on occasion, they have never used it as a permanent residence.
In addition to being a royal residence, Hillsborough Castle also serves an official government function as the home of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. This dual purpose makes it one of the most significant properties associated with the Crown in Northern Ireland.
Since 2014, the castle and its surrounding gardens have been managed by Historic Royal Palaces, an independent charity responsible for the conservation of several key historic sites.
Under their care, Hillsborough underwent an extensive five-year refurbishment, which is believed to have cost an estimated £24 million. This restoration project aimed to preserve the estate’s grandeur while enhancing visitor access and experience.
Despite its title, Hillsborough is not actually a traditional castle. According to Historic Royal Palaces, it was a common practice among the Anglo-Irish aristocracy to name their grand country homes ‘castles,’ a trend that led to Hillsborough’s name. The house itself, while stately and elegant, lacks the defensive fortifications typically associated with true castles.
Members of the Royal Family traditionally stay at Hillsborough Castle when visiting Northern Ireland, continuing its long-standing association with the monarchy.
Today, King Charles and Queen Camilla are in Belfast as part of their royal engagements in Northern Ireland. The couple appeared in high spirits as they toured the city, including a visit to Commercial Court, a picturesque street recently recognized as the most ‘attractive street’ in Northern Ireland.
Their visit highlights the King’s ongoing commitment to fostering relationships across the UK and maintaining ties with Northern Ireland.
