KEY POINTS

  • People have been using Queen Elizabeth II's Balmoral Castle grounds as an outdoor toilet
  • Non-biodegradable wet wipes are being left by visitors within the estate
  • The 50,000-acre Balmoral Castle is frequented by Queen Elizabeth and her family for their annual week-long holidays

Walkers and visitors have reportedly been defecating on the grounds of Queen Elizabeth II’s vacation home.

Built in 1390, Balmoral Castle — where the British monarch usually spends her holidays — is apparently being used by people as an outdoor, with the staff of the estate complaining about wet wipes being left around the estate.

Despite urging visitors not to relieve themselves on the grounds, some continue to discard their non-biodegradable wipes and relieve themselves right next to the paths and monuments at the royal’s holiday home, CNN reported.

"Disappointed to see so many wipes discarded on the Estate today. Next to paths and monuments. Please remember there are no public toilets open for miles around at the moment," a staff member at the Queen’s Balmoral estate wrote.

"Part of the problem is that we are seeing a lot of non-biodegradable wipes being discarded in the countryside," the employee added. "Also, people are choosing to relieve themselves right next to busy paths or monuments rather than move a little bit further away to avoid contamination."

Due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, public facilities across the United Kingdom have been closed, though people are still allowed to socialize outside. This, in turn, has led to many seeking quiet and secluded public places when nature calls.

As such, the employees of Balmoral Castle acknowledged that people may need to relieve themselves while visiting, but they have also imposed some guidelines to follow.

"If you need to pee, please do so at least 30 metres from lochs or streams," Balmoral staff added in a tweet on Sunday (June 28). "If you need to defecate, do so as far away as possible from buildings, paths, water courses and farm animals. Bury faeces in a shallow hole and replace the turf."

At the end of every summer, Queen Elizabeth II follows the routine of visiting Balmoral Castle in Scotland every year for a multiple week-long holiday. The royal, free from her duties, opts to relax and unwind with her family members in the highlands.

The Queen is also known to explore the 50,000-acre Scotland grounds on horseback or behind the wheel of a Range Rover, Town & Country reported.

Tony Blair, U.K.’s former prime minister, also revealed that the royal would do the dishes herself right after dinner.

“They put the gloves on and stick their hands in the sink. The Queen asks if you’ve finished, she stacks the plates up and goes off to the sink," he said.

He will spend a night at Balmoral Castle and dine with the Queen
He will spend a night at Balmoral Castle and dine with the Queen POOL / Andrew Milligan