Braemar Gathering: King and Queen get warm welcome at Highland games before accession anniversary

7 September 2024, 15:22 | Updated: 7 September 2024, 17:28

The King and Queen received a warm welcome from their Scottish neighbours at the Braemar Gathering, the day before the monarch marks the second anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

In the bright sunshine, the royal couple, who are currently staying down the road at Balmoral, were welcomed to the Highland games to the sound of bagpipes and drums.

The world-famous annual gathering at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park has always been a firm favourite with the Royal Family.

In unexpectedly warm weather, the King was still dressed in tartan as he watched events such as caber tossing, tug of war, Highland dancing and the sack races, alongside his wife Camilla.

This was the first time King Charles had attended the event since confirming he would follow in his mother's footsteps and take over the patronage of the Braemar Royal Highland Society.

It comes at the end of a week when the King, the Queen and Prince William returned to official duties after the summer break.

The King is still undergoing cancer treatment, and there hasn't been any recent update on the health of the Princess of Wales since she was seen at Wimbledon and Trooping the Colour.

Speaking to the crowd, Braemar games commentator Robert Lovie reflected on the difficult year, saying: "I know I speak for everyone here when I say how much we have thought about our Royal Family this year.

"Please know that the communities at home and around the country and all those who take part in the Highland games, send you all our best possible wishes."

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Sunday marks the second anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who died at Balmoral on 8 September 2022.

It also marks Accession Day for King Charles, when he became monarch.

As his mother always did, he will spend it privately.

But he will attend a service at the nearby church Crathie Kirk, where prayers will be said for Queen Elizabeth II.

(c) Sky News 2024: Braemar Gathering: King and Queen get warm welcome at Highland games before accession anniversary