King Charles received an official welcome to Balmoral Castle this morning, marking the start of his summer holiday. Wearing a tweed jacket and a tartan kilt, the King inspected a Guard of Honour formed of Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland during a small ceremony outside the Castle Gates. He also greeted their mascot, Shetland pony Corporal Cruachan IV.
The four-legged mascot has been in the role since October 2012, and is known for his cheeky antics at high-profile ceremonial events. He once took a chunk out of the late Queen’s bouquet of flowers and bit through one of her gloves, and also nibbled Prince Harry’s fingers as he and his wife tried to pet him. But today the pony was on his best behaviour.
At the conclusion of the official ceremony, the King went over to speak to well-wishers who had gathered outside the gates. He took his time shaking hands and saying hello in the summer sunshine.
The King and Queen are expected to stay in Scotland until mid-September, when they will head to Windsor Castle to welcome Donald Trump for an official state visit.
Until then, the royal couple will enjoy time with their families at Balmoral. The King is expected to attend the Braemar Games at the start of September.
