After the rain, mist rises from the plains in an earthy haze and humus. Damp ferns, sprouts and meadows. Under the green sun, already draining the storm, they surrender their herbaceous vapors to the passing wind. Balmoral is the royal summer residence preferred by Queen Elizabeth II. The estate lies on the banks of the River Dee, in the Scottish region of Aberdeenshire. A landscape of contrasts, with sumptuous valleys, wild moors, evergreens, mountain flowers, heather and, of course, thistle, the symbol of Scotland.