The rest of the Royals might have attended the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in Windsor yesterday.
But the Duchess of Rothesay chose instead to make two visits to the north east of Scotland.
It is understood that yesterday’s invitation was a long-standing one which pre-dated the wedding invite and the Duchess did not want to let anyone down.
Following her first engagement at Crathie School, she subsequently travelled to Braemar’s new £2.5 million Highland Games Pavilion, which is named in honour of her husband, the Duke of Rothesay.
And during her trip, she got her first glimpse of all his “detailed” design input.
The building had been officially opened by the Queen as part of her visit to the Braemar Gathering last month.
The Duchess, who was wearing a green Lord of the Isles tartan suit, was led on a tour of the permanent exhibition by David Geddes, president of the Braemar Royal Highland Society and met some pupils from Braemar school who were also witnessing the exhibits for the first time.
11-year-old Jay Hall quickly gave the facility his seal of approval and said he had found it “very interesting” to learn all about the March of the Lonach Highlanders.
On hand to meet the royal guest were several members of the society, and The Duchess was introduced by Robert Lovie of the Prince’s Foundation.
Mr Lovie said he was “delighted” the Duchess had enjoyed the tour and confirmed that the project would not have “got off the ground” without the Duke’s “amazing” support.
He added: “She was enthusiastic about the building’s beauty, the value of its purpose, and its ability to fit seamlessly into the surroundings.”
Champion Scottish Highland dancer, Rachel Walker, 24, entertained the crowd with an energetic jig in the Wirth Room which is located within the building.
The chamber was named after local hoteliers, Iwan and Manuela Wirth, who have donated to the project.
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But, cuuriously, they could not be present yesterday and were spotted arriving at the Royal Windsor wedding by a keen-eyed Mr Geddes.
He was also keen to voice his appreciation of the Duke of Rothesay’s support and said: “We have only reached this stage thanks to the help and support given from the Prince’s Foundation.
“We are still looking for exhibit donations and also financial donations to get the other exhibits completed and ready for the public in March.”
The pavilion is due to open to the public next year and has been generously supported by a number of local donors, including James Milne of the Balmoral Group, Irene Kauffman and the Baxter’s of Speyside – Ena Baxter Foundation.
The centre tells the story of highland Games and gatherings in Scotland and around the world and will be a year-round attraction.
The facility also provides a new headquarters for the Braemar Royal Highland Society and David Hampson, that organisation’s treasurer, said they had been “very fortunate” to receive the Duke’s input “throughout the project”.
He added: “The Duke really has an excellent eye for detail – we have benefited greatly from his advice and input.
“We have already spoken to tour companies and cruise operators who are already planning 2020 brochures – we hope that the pavilion, along with Balmoral Castle and Ballater, will form a triangle of local attractions for day-trippers.
“The Milne Gallery will house a moveable exhibition and can be hired out for private events including weddings.”
Exhibits include paraphernalia from Highland Games and Gatherings, such as medals and trophies, and The Scottish Tartans Authority has also contributed to the collection of Highland outfits, which are on display at the venue.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the exhibition should visit: www.braemargathering.org
