In a grand display of military tradition and pageantry, Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, proudly took their place yesterday (Monday) as the Guard of Honour officially welcomed His Majesty The King to Balmoral.
Renowned for their ceremonial duties across Scotland, Balaklava Company holds the prestigious position of Royal Guard at Balmoral, a role steeped in history and honour.
Crowds of well-wishers were also there to welcome the monarch to Balmoral and stood outside the gates to catch a glimpse of him as he was given a warm welcome to his Scottish residence.
Adding to the splendour of the ceremony, The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland and The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Corps of Signals performed, with the latter making their debut at Balmoral under the leadership of Corps Pipe Major Mark Black and Drum Major Peter Pearson.
Also making an appearance was Cpl Cruachan IV, the Shetland pony mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, who is no stranger to Balmoral. The 15-year-old Shetland pony made headlines in 2017 when he famously took a bite out of the late Queen Elizabeth’s posy during a visit to Stirling Castle.
Yesterday’s event marked the first Royal Guard for Major Neil Cargill, who only recently assumed command of Balaklava Company in July. Reflecting on the occasion, Major Cargill said:
“Commanding His Majesty The King’s Royal Guard at Balmoral is an immense honour. Upholding this time-honoured Highland tradition during such a significant moment is a privilege that will be etched in memory. We are building on our proud history, deepening our allegiance to our Colonel-in-Chief and our native land. Sláinte an Righ, Sláinte dhuibh uile gu léir.”
Following the formal arrival ceremony, The King’s Royal Guard, accompanied by the Ballater Colour, proudly paraded through Ballater from East Bridge to Victoria Bridge, passing the War Memorial along the way.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire, Alexander (Sandy) Manson, took the Salute, joined by Brigadier Jody Davies MBE, Commander of 51 Infantry Brigade and Headquarters Scotland.
Balaklava Company will continue to serve as the Royal Guard at Balmoral throughout The King’s Summer stay, maintaining their watch over the historic estate.
The King and Queen are expected to welcome members of their families to Balmoral in the coming weeks, including Prince William, Princess Kate and their three children.
Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish home of the Royal Family since it was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, having been first leased in 1848.
The Balmoral Estate has been added to by successive members of the royal family, and now covers an area of approximately 50,000 acres near the village of Crathie, 9 miles west of Ballater and 50 miles west of Aberdeen.
It is a working estate including grouse moors, forestry and farmland, as well as managed herds of deer, Highland cattle, sheep and ponies.
