THE PRINCE OF WALES The kilted heir enjoys some traditional Highland Games
MAKES SURE THE EVENT IS BACK WITH A BANG AS HE CHEERS ON PARTICIPANTS IN A HILL RACE AND JUDGES A FIERCE TUG-OF-WAR
There
were toasts, tartans and tug-of-war galore last week when the Prince of Wales attended the Grampian Highland Games in Braemar, Aberdeenshire.
Looking dapper in a kilt, the Duke of Rothesay – as Prince Charles is known in Scotland – enjoyed watching some Highland dancing, light athletics and solo piping. He even sampled a wee dram at the traditional games, held at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park.
Clearly delighted to be back at the event, the first of its kind to go ahead following the pandemic, Charles, who has been staying at his Birkhall estate near Balmoral Castle, fired the starting pistol for the hill race, judged the tug-of-war and met and shook hands with some young Highland dancers.
“The Prince took the time to chat to the competitors, who had not had the opportunity to meet or compete together for the past two years,” said event chairman Jim Brown.
“How special that he continues to encourage us in the importance of traditions and sportsmanship that we work so hard to protect and promote in Highland Games.”
Despite usually bringing in thousands of spectators, tickets for this year’s events were limited to 850 people. Organisers hoped that they would keep the spirit of the Games alive by going ahead with them this year, referring to the event as “a glimmer of hope”.
Prince Charles is the patron of the Scottish Highland Games Association, which it hopes will safeguard the future of Highland Games for years to come.