King Charles Begins Annual Balmoral Stay with Traditional Welcome

The monarch greeted troops and the Royal Regiment of Scotland's Shetland pony mascot during a ceremony at the castle gates.

King Charles inspected the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Shetland pony Corporal Cruachan IV, the regiment's mascot, was patted by the King.
The ceremony featured performances by the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland and The Pipes and Drums of The Royal Corps of Signals.
Balmoral Castle, traditionally a royal summer retreat, closed its grounds to the public ahead of the visit.
King Charles continues to work during his stay, handling diplomatic papers and holding audiences.