While Balmoral gets all the attention, Channel 5 is turning its cameras toward Birkhall, the Scottish retreat King Charles reportedly calls his “secret sanctuary.” The special, airing at 8:00 PM, looks at the private history of a royal residence that has operated largely under the radar, despite its nearly 200-year connection to the monarchy and its personal significance to the current King.
The program examines Birkhall not just as a piece of property but as a backdrop for some deeply personal and pivotal moments in modern royal history. It’s here, the documentary notes, that Charles asked Camilla to marry him. The home also reportedly played a role during the difficult period of Charles and Diana’s separation, serving as a private escape from the public glare. With its history so closely tied to the King, the special also touches upon the current pressure on the monarchy to downsize its extensive property portfolio, raising the question of Birkhall’s future.
Unlike its famous, sprawling neighbor, Birkhall has maintained a sense of privacy, a quality the King clearly values. For those who follow the Royal Family, it’s a look at a lesser-seen but important piece of the puzzle.
The special airs on Channel 5 at 8:00 PM on Saturday, 21 June, 2025.
