Queen Elizabeth’s Balmoral Castle has been surrounded by rising flood waters.
The British monarch spends her summers at the Scottish residence, which Storm Frank, currently battering the UK, has claimed as its latest victim.
Images show water terrifyingly close to the banks of the castle, as Britain struggles against the worst floods to hit in seven decades.
One local, who has lived near Balmoral for the past 64 years, said the floods are the worst he has seen during his time there, and described them as like "rapids".
The River Dee, which runs alongside Balmoral, has burst its banks and caravans have been seen floating along the water.
Meanwhile the Cambus O’May footbridge, apparently a favourite of the Prince of Wales when he visits Balmoral, was buckled under the weight of flood water.
Over 100 people from nearby Ballater in Aberdeenshire were evacuated from their homes as flood threats worsened, and spent last night (30.12.15) at the Victoria Barracks, where the Queen’s security staff are housed when she stays at Balmoral.
Balmoral was originally bought for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, and has been the Scottish home of the royal family since then.
It was reported earlier this year that Queen Elizabeth has decided she will spend the majority of her time at the 55,000 acre estate in the event of her 94-year-old husband Prince Philip’s death.
A source told the Daily Express newspaper: "There is a feeling that if the Duke of Edinburgh passed away her preference would be to spend more time in Scotland. The discussion has been if he goes before her that would be her wish.
"She loves Scotland, it has always been a great comfort to her, where she is happiest and most relaxed. Everyone will play it by ear but the feeling is the Scottish plan will be what she wants to do."
Queen Elizabeth’s Balmoral Castle threatened by Storm Frank
