That is what Lord Salisbury called Balmoral. Alistair Lexden quoted the remark in a letter published in The Times on 3 September, in which he corrected a statement in the paper that prime ministers have invariably been appointed in London or Windsor.
Sir, It was not unusual for prime ministers to be appointed away from Buckingham Palace or Windsor in Queen Victoria’s time (“Queen to make history with new PM at Balmoral”, Sep 1). In June 1885, Lord Salisbury kissed hands at Balmoral. “This is being sent for with a vengeance”, he said, loathing the journey to the place he always called “Siberia.” Victoria never thought about the convenience of busy prime ministers when they had cabinets to form. In 1868 Disraeli hastened by train and boat to Osborne on the Isle of Wight, where he threw himself on his knees to kiss the queen’s hand “in loving faith and loyalty.” Salisbury was not so demonstrative when he was at Osborne in July 1886 at the start of his second government. Victorian premiers counted themselves lucky if the queen happened to be in London when they took office.
Lord Lexden
House of Lords
