Charles Esther
King Charles has officially started his annual summer retreat at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
The monarch, 76, marked his arrival with a ceremonial inspection of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
He was warmly welcomed by the Army’s guard of honour at the gates of the historic estate.
Ceremonial Welcome for the King
Wearing a traditional tweed jacket, kilt, and sporran, Charles carried out the inspection of the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion.
The troops serve as the Sovereign’s ceremonial guard during his summer stay at Balmoral.
The King appeared cheerful as he greeted soldiers and acknowledged the crowd of well-wishers gathered to see him.
A Warm Encounter With the Royal Mascot
In a lighthearted moment, the King met Shetland pony Cpl Cruachan IV, the mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Charles succeeded his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, as Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment.
While the royal family’s detailed summer schedule remains private, it is expected that the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their children, will spend time at the estate.
Queen Camilla Joins the King at Balmoral
Queen Camilla, 78, joined the King during the retreat.
The couple was photographed driving themselves to Crathie Kirk for the weekly service.
Both looked in high spirits, with Camilla waving to well-wishers while dressed elegantly in a feathered hat and matching attire.
Charles and Camilla Lead National Commemorations
Earlier in the week, Their Majesties attended a Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The event, organised by the Royal British Legion, paid tribute to fallen war heroes and included flypasts, music, and emotional readings by veterans and survivors.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also attended alongside senior politicians, veterans, and members of the armed forces.
Emotional Tributes Stir the Nation
During the ceremony, the audience observed a two-minute silence after the playing of The Last Post.
A special reading was delivered by 101-year-old former RAF pilot Ron Gumbley, followed by Laurence Binyon’s poem For The Fallen.
The event featured performances from military bands, choirs, and tributes from actress Celia Imrie, moving both the King and Queen as they led the nation’s commemorations.
David Awoyode