King Charles looked dashing today in a traditional kilt as he arrived in Scotland in preparation to take up residence at Balmoral Castle.

Upon arriving at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire on Monday, the King paused to inspect the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland as well as their mascot Shetland pony, before readying for a his summer residence in the castle.
During the inspection, Charles has the pleasure of greeting the mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the cheeky Shetland pony, Cruachan IV.

Charles donned a traditional kilt complete with shades of purple, green and brown, alongside a matching tie, immaculately polished boots and natural red stockings.

The look was completed with a tweed blazer and waistcoat and a sporran pouch traditionally worn as part of Scottish Highland dress.
King Charles arrived at Balmoral castle today to commence his summer stay at the Scottish residence
The King pictured sharing a sweet moment with Shetland pony, Cruachan IV, (pictured) who is the mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland
Balmoral was the favourite home of the late Queen Elizabeth and where she died in September 2022. She spent three months every summer at the Scottish castle.

The King has decided to continue the tradition – and the trip comes as a well-earned break for the monarch after returning to public duties amid his ongoing treatment for cancer.

Upon arriving, the King enjoyed an adorable moment where he gave the Regiment’s mascot, Cruachan IV, a stroke on the nose.

The King reached a cautious arm out to the pony who proceeded to lift up his lip in an attempt to nibble his fingers – fortunately Charles’ escaped just in time.

Cruachan IV is a jet black shetland pony who was first presented to the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2012.

The petite Scottish pony donned his usual fineries – the four legged mascot is entitled to wear the operational medals awarded to the Regiment during his role.

He arrived from Clothie Stud in Dyce and was gifted to the regiment when he was four-years-old, later resulting in him having the nickname, Four.

After being presented to and approved by the queen, the adorable little pony undertook his first official engagement in 2013.
The King reached a cautious arm out to the pony who proceeded to lift up his lip in an attempt to nibble his fingers – fortunately Charles’ escaped just in time
Charles donned a traditional kilt complete with shades of purple, green and brown, alongside a matching tie, immaculately polished boots and natural red stockings
Pictured: Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, before an inspection by King Charles
Cruachan is often seen at the head of many of the Regiment’s ceremonial events as well as serving as a regular visitor to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Royal Guard at Balmoral.

The cheeky pony had met the late Queen on a number of occasions including a few in which a brazen Cruachan made a grab to nibble on Her Majesty’s flowers.

In 2017, the cheeky chap made a beeline for the queen’s flowers as she walked past though he was quickly put in his place by the firm voice of Elizabeth who exclaimed ‘he always eats the flowers’ before giving him an affectionate scratch on the muzzle.

At another meeting in 2018, Cruachan managed to restrain himself in front of the late queen, leaving her flowers untouched. ]

When not dressed in his fineries to serve as the Scottish regiment’s mascot, Cruachan can be found with his companion and fellow Shetland pony, Nightcap.

The two live Redford Barracks in Edinburgh where both are cared for by the Regiment’s Pony Major.

Yesterday, Charles and Camilla, 77, were snapped heading to Crathie Kirk – a regular place of worship for the royal family while staying at their summer residence in Scotland.