The Queen was greeted by crowds of well-wishers outside Balmoral Castle yesterday when she arrived to commence her summer break in Deeside.
The monarch began her stay in Aberdeenshire by carrying out the first official duty of her visit – inspecting the soldiers who will guard her during the vacation.
She entered the grounds of Balmoral to the sound of bagpipes while she met the 2nd Battalion Royal Highland Fusiliers.
The traditional ceremony, outside the gates of the castle, was held to mark the Queen’s official arrival in Scotland – although she has already been here for the previous two weeks.
Her Majesty wore a light cream dress and matching jacket.
She was accompanied by Major Dougie Watson, Royal Guard Commander, and got the chance to meet their pony mascot Cruachan IV, who immediately stole the monarch’s attention.
Despite attempting to nip Her Majesty during the royal inspection two years ago, Cruachan IV was on his best behaviour as she spoke with his handler, Major Mark Wilkinson.
The troops generally remain in residence nearby at the Victory Barracks in Ballater, and provide guards for the duration of the Queen’s holiday.
Members of the public flocked to Balmoral and some had the honour of being formally introduced to Britain’s longest-serving ruler.
The main castle has been open to members of the public as part of a drive to help pay the £3million annual running costs of the 50,000-acre estate.
This includes grouse moors, forestry and farmland, and managed herds of deer, Highland cattle, and ponies.
Her Majesty visits the estate every summer, and it is no secret that she regards it as one of her favourite places to reside.
The tradition was established by Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert, who bought Balmoral in 1852 and fell in love with the environs and surrounding countryside.
Although Balmoral remains largely the same as it was in Queen Victoria’s reign, successive royal owners have followed the initiative spearheaded by Prince Albert in making improvements to the estate.
The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and The Prince of Wales all take a close personal interest in running and improving the Estates.
