Scotland’s former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has shared a bombshell claim about the late Queen Elizabeth II in her new memoir, Frankly. Describing the late royal as an “incredible woman”, Nicola also recalled how the late monarch immediately asked for details about Mr [Alex] Salmond when the they met at Balmoral Castle a few weeks after misconduct claims against him first emerged.

Alex Salmond, who was the former Scottish National Party leader, was charged with 14 offences, including attempted rape and sexual assault, in January 2019 but he was awarded compensation of £500,000 by the Scottish Government in August 2019 and later acquitted of all charges after trial in March 2020.

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He was later found not guilty of 12 charges, and not proven in another. Another charge was later withdrawn by the court. He later died aged 69 in October 2024.

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Nicola Sturgeon has made a bombshell claim about the late Queen in her new memoir (Image: GETTY)

Discussing the late Queen, who died aged 96 in September 2022, Nicola claimed that she “loved a bit of gossip”.

In Frankly, which will be released on August 14, Nicola also added: “She asked me about it almost as soon as I sat down. She wanted to know more of what was going on.”

Nicola claimed that she assumed the late monarch would not have mentioned the claims in September 2018, yet Queen Elizabeth did bring them up.

Ms Sturgeon continued: “She asked me about it almost as soon as I sat down. She wasn’t being trivial in any way, she wanted to know more of what was going on.

Alex Salmond died aged 69 in October 2024 (Image: GETTY)

“I think she was also trying to put me at ease… She also loved a bit of gossip. She always wanted to hear the stories behind the political headlines.”

Alex is always said to have considered himself something of a favourite of the Queen because of their mutual love of horse racing.

Praising the late royal, Nicola then described her as “utterly fascinating”, adding that she was “struck by the aura” she “exuded as she entered the room”.

Royal residences such as Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are owned by King Charles because of his position as reigning monarch, while other royal properties, like Balmoral Castle and Sandringham House, are personally owned and not publicly funded.

The King has three official residences: Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. These magnificent buildings are not only homes of the Royal Family but also where the King undertakes official work as Head of State.

The UK is home to a fascinating array of residences for the family, each with its own unique history, architecture, and significance to the monarchy. Some are official homes used for state functions, while others are private retreats beloved by generations of royals.

Here are the top 9 royal residences ranked..

9. Clarence House, London

Built by John Nash in 1825-27 for George III’s third son, the Duke of Clarence, and previously home to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother for almost five decades.

The first occupant of the house was the man for whom it was originally built and after whom it is named, William Henry, Duke of Clarence, who lived there from 1827 with his wife, Queen Adelaide.

Later on, with Princess Elizabeth’s accession as Queen, the royal couple moved to Buckingham Palace. Clarence House was prepared for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who moved in with her daughter, Princess Margaret shortly before the Coronation in 1953. She lived there until her passing in 2002, at the age of 101.

Since Charles inherited the house, he has preserved its style and character, as well as introducing organic gardening methods and planting a new garden in memory of the Queen Mother. Clarence House has been the urban home of King Charles and Queen Camilla for more than two decades.

(Image: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

8. Bagshot Park, Surrey

Bagshot Park in Surrey is the current home of Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. The residence’s gardens and grounds are listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

The estate covers 51 acres of private grounds, with beautifully landscaped gardens, stables, and woodlands. The mansion originally had over 120 rooms, though it has since been modified to suit modern royal living. The estate remains privately leased from the Crown Estate, with ongoing speculation about its future once the lease expires.

The original house was built in the 1600s, but it was demolished around 1875. Queen Victoria’s third son, Prince Arthur, once lived on the property, and the original Bagshot Lodge was used as a base for hunting trips.

(Image: David Goddard Getty Images)

7. Sandringham House, Norfolk

Located in Norfolk, Sandringham House sits within 20,000 acres of rolling parkland and woodland. It is particularly associated with the Royal Family’s Christmas celebrations, as it is their traditional gathering place during the holiday season. Queen Elizabeth II was especially fond of Sandringham and spent much of her Christmas there.

Sandringham House was a country residence for King Edward VII in 1862. Queen Elizabeth inherited it from her father in 1952, and Prince Philip took responsibility for its management.

(Image: Radcliffe/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

6. Kensington Palace, London

Situated in West London, Kensington Palace has been a royal residence since the 17th century. It was the childhood home of Queen Victoria and has continued to house members of the Royal Family.

Its historic State Apartments are open to visitors and Kensington Gardens, which surround the palace, are also a major London attraction.

King Charles and Princess Diana, lived at Kensington Palace with their children, Prince William and Prince Harry, and it remained Diana’s official residence after their divorce, until her death in 1997