King Charles has reel-y good time on the Highland Games

  • The games were a favourite of the late Queen who rarely missed the spectacle 

The King today cried tears of  happiness at the annual Braemar Gathering Highland games, one of his late mother’s very favourite events a day before the anniversary of her death and his accession to the throne. 

A cheery Charles, wearing a tartan jacket and a navy, red and green kilt, was accompanied by his wife Queen Camilla, who wore a navy dress with a feather pattern and a hat with two feathers.

The couple were seen smiling as they chatted at the event held at Cairngorms National Park, a short distance from their summer residence at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire.

Before their arrival, competitors took part in traditional Highland games including tug-of-war and enjoyed music played by bagpipers and drummers.

The Braemar Gathering – the most famous of the Highland Games – was a particular favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth, who rarely missed the spectacle which takes place in September each year near Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire.

King Charles III bursts into laughter as je enjoys Highland Games alongside Queen Camilla 

King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend The Braemar Gathering 2024 at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park on September 07, 2024 in Braemar, Scotland

The Braemar Gathering, renowned globally, is the most famous of the Highland Games

Shortly before her death, the late Queen was forced to miss the even – prompting the initial concerns for her health. 

The Royal Family will mark the second anniversary of her death on Sunday.   

Prince Charles would often accompany the monarch at the gathering which has existed in some form for 900 years – and its most modern form stretching’s back nearly 200 years.

Then the Prince of Wales, Charles still attended the event last year despite officials saying at the time that the the decision was made that the late Queen wound not be there ‘for her comfort’.

The festival is known to attract visitors from all over the world and frequently features competitors from Scotland, England, Australia and America.

The King wore a tartan jacket and a navy, red and green kilt

ueen Camilla attends The Braemar Gathering 2024 at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park on September 07, 2024 in Braemar, Scotland

The couple were seen smiling as they chatted at the event

Competitors take part in the tug of war during the Braemar Gathering highland games

A piper from one of the Massed Pipe Bands performs in the arena during The Braemar Gathering 2024 at The Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park on September 07, 2024 in Braemar, Scotland

A competitor throws a 28lb weight during the Braemar Gathering highland games

dancer competes in the Highland Dance competition

With a history spanning nearly two centuries in its modern form, the Gathering stands as one of Scotland’s most celebrated events

Various events throughout the day include traditional Scottish games, including caber-tossing and tug-of-war, and take place at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in Braemar.

The Braemar Gathering is the most famous of the Highland Games and is known worldwide.

Each year thousands of visitors descend on this small Scottish village on the first Saturday in September to watch one of the more colourful Scottish traditions.