The course was created as an exclusive venue for the royals, their staff and neighbours in 1925.
But it is only now the Balmoral Golf Club, in Aberdeenshire, has been awarded the royal designation.
It is the first such honour bestowed on a golf operation in Scotland for almost half a century with Royal Troon the last in 1978 as it marked its centenary.
Celebrations are now in full swing in after the club’s second attempt on the title proved successful.
Ladies’ captain Mandy Cruickshank, whose own mother worked as a housekeeper on Balmoral estate, has been the driving force behind the club’s bid to secure its own royal designation.
The keen golfer explained that she wrote to one of the King’s private secretaries, and then to the Scottish Government, to outline the claim to the coveted ‘Royal’ title.
After her first attempt in 2023 was knocked back, Ms Cruickshank persevered to stress the significance of the club, which was founded in 1973, on its golden anniversary.
Earlier this year, she finally received the good news that her campaign had been successful.
She told the Press and Journal: ‘As 2023 was going to be our 50th anniversary and the King’s coronation, I thought how lovely it would be to get Royal in the name.
‘We found out at the end of February, but we kept it secret until our AGM in March and we told the members then.’
Men’s captain George Davidson added: ‘Everyone seems to be delighted. It is a great honour for the club.’
Since the nine-hole course was landscaped in the 1920s it has hosted countless royal rounds, with Princes William and Harry, Prince Edward, Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips all walking its fairways in recent years.
Although signs of the course’s impressive links to the monarchy can be found across its slopes – a statue of Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert, along with a closing hole named The King’s Fountain – until now, its ‘Royal’ status has not been formally recognised.
Only the Royal Family, those who worked on the Balmoral Estate, and residents of the nearby parish of Crathie were able to join the Balmoral Golf Club until recently.
In 2023 the club announced that the course would be open to the public on a select number of days each year. From May to July visitors to the course can experience a glimpse of life on the royal estate – provided they cover green fees ranging from £75 to £200.
Sports Minister Maree Todd said: ‘Scotland is the Home of Golf and has some of the best golf courses in the world for people to get out and enjoy the many benefits to physical, mental and social health that it provides.
‘This recent honour helps to strengthen Scotland’s global reputation as a fantastic place to play.’