Guard of honour marks King’s arrival at Balmoral for summer break

Guard of honour marks King’s arrival at Balmoral for summer breakCharles met a Shetland pony who is the mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, as soldiers formed a guard of honour.Charles met Shetland pony Cpl Cruachan IV, the mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, during the ceremony (Jane Barlow/PA)PA Wire

The King patted a Shetland pony at a ceremony marking his official arrival at Balmoral as he takes up residence for his summer break.

Charles was welcomed by a guard of honour provided by Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland outside the gates of Balmoral, Aberdeenshire, on Tuesday.

The King is Colonel in Chief of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Charles carried out an inspection of Balaklava Company (Jane Barlow/PA)PA Wire

He met the pony, Corporal Cruachan IV – mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland – who was on parade with his handler Corporal Rory Stewart.

Following the ceremony, the King met members of the public who had gathered near the gates to see him.

Major Tommy Blair, who is in his second year in command of Balaklava Company, said: “Welcoming His Majesty the King to Balmoral is a huge privilege for Balaklava Company.

Charles chatted to some of the soldiers as he inspected the ranks (Jane Barlow/PA)PA Wire

“While Balaklava has a huge amount of ceremonial experience in Scotland and the wider UK, we have welcomed a number of new soldiers to the company in the past year and, for some, this was their first encounter with our Colonel in Chief.

“The standard of turnout and ceremony on show today reflects the many hours of dedicated preparation that all ranks in the company have put into marking this very special occasion.”

Musical support came from the pipes, drums and bugles of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, led by drum major Sergeant William Crawford and pipe major Colour Sergeant Joe Davies.

Well-wishers had gathered outside Balmoral during the ceremony and the King took time to speak to them (Jane Barlow/PA)PA Wire

C/Sgt Davies said: “It’s always a privilege to perform for the arrival of His Majesty the King, and this year was particularly special for me as it was my first time leading the 2 SCOTS pipes, drums and bugles.

“I’ve had the honour of taking part in this ceremony a number of times throughout my career, but leading the band made it an especially memorable experience.”

Balaklava Company took up royal guard in July and will remain in Balmoral until October.