ROYALS ROLL INTO BALLATER

The residents of Ballater were “thrilled to meet our future king” as they welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay yesterday morning on their first visit to the village’s new Community and Heritage Hub.

There Charles and Camilla unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion then toured the village, stopping at local shops and speaking to residents who lined the streets to glimpse the royal pair.

Life-long Ballater resident Alistair Cassie, 76, who welcomed the couple to the new hub said: “I have mixed with most of the royal family and they integrate very well with the village and people in the village respect them.

“He certainly put a lot of effort and money into the village, in particular the caravan site which was badly damaged by the flooding.

“He did very well, his heart is very much in the village.”

Resident Eileen Lawrence, 80, said: “Everyone is delighted that they have an interest in Ballater, he was wonderful after the flooding.”

Stopping to pay their respects at the war memorial on Bridge Street, Charles had a quick chat with 94-yearold Colonel Hugh Inkster, a member of the British Legion.

Speaking after their encounter, the colonel said: “I was dying to meet him because I have waved to him from afar but I never really spoke to him.

“To me, he will make a good king.

“I have met his mother many times, my father was the electrician in Balmoral and I lived 300 yards from the castle down the river so I met the Queen, she is just months older than me.”

Continuing their tour the duke and duchess stopped at businesses, including the Ballater Gallery.

“My knees have gone a bit jelly,” said Helen Johnstone, 55, one of the staff. “I am really excited to have met them. I have met Camilla before and she was really charming but I am actually thrilled to have met our future king.”

The royal pair then made their way to the Cambus O’May suspension bridge where they thanked those who helped restore the crossing, which was severely damaged during Storm Frank in 2015.

The duke and duchess chatted with Ballater residents.

Prince Charles during his visit to Ballater yesterday.