Dressed to thrill as monarch dons tartan created in his honour
KING Charles attended his first Braemar Gathering since his Coronation yesterday – sporting a newly created Royal tartan.
His Majesty wore a King Charles III tartan kilt as he and the Queen, together with Princess Anne and her husband Timothy Laurence, spent an afternoon at the sun-kissed Highland Games.
The green, blue and red design was created by the Scottish Tartans Authority to mark the Coronation and to recognise the King’s longstanding and enthusiastic support of Highland dress.
Made by Lochcarron of Scotland, in Selkirk, the plaid includes a central triple stripe motif, a feature of previous Royal designs, with the colours matched to the natural dyes of 18th Century tartans.
The King arrived at Braemar to rapturous applause and listened as a crowd of 15,000 sang the national anthem.
The Royal party were in high spirits as they watched events and a march-past of massed pipes and drums – and also gasped in astonishment as drum majors took part in an impromptu competition, tossing their maces high over a banner erected in the arena.
In a tender moment, the King was also seen to gently touch the Queen on the arm as they watched the annual competition.
There was much added poignancy to the event as it was the first since the late Queen died a year ago. Elizabeth II attended her first Gathering shortly after her
Coronation in 1952 and was a regular visitor until 2019.
In a speech to welcome the King, the Gathering’s commentator Dr Robert Lovie said: ‘The past 12 months have been momentous in so many ways and generated for us all such a mixture of emotions.
‘It was only a year ago you kindly cut the heather rope to open the Platinum Jubilee Archway on behalf of the Queen. In the days that followed that happy occasion, we were then all so saddened by the loss of Her Majesty, who had been such a great supporter of these Games throughout her life.’
He added: ‘Today, we are particularly delighted to welcome Your Majesties here for the first time as our King and Queen.
‘Your Majesty has been attending this Gathering since the age of six.
‘Over many years, Your Majesty has given your heartfelt support, not only to Braemar but to the whole Highland Games circuit, support sincerely given, and how warmly that support is received.’
The King was on hand to present trophies to the winners and one Army competitor told how he asked special permission to sit in front of him as a mark of respect after being presented with a trophy.
Private David Mar, 29, who captained the Royal Logistic Corps in the inter-service relay race, said: ‘It is part of my culture to sit in front of someone of high rank to show humility and respect and I asked the King if this was acceptable.
‘He was aware of the tradition and said I could do it. I sat and gave three chants to acknowledge his gift. It is the first time I have met the King and it is a great honour.’
The event drew visitors and royal fans from around the world.
Leslie Voss, 62, from California, said: ‘This is our first trip to Scotland and it surpassed our expectations. The history and the royal connection are fabulous and we had a great time at the Gathering.
‘The visit of the King and Queen just adds to the excitement. It is quite an amazing experience.’
John Wright, vice-president of the Braemar Royal Highland Society, said: ‘It has been a great day and the beautiful weather just adds to the occasion. We are, of course, very proud of our ongoing connection with the Royal Family and it is a great pleasure to welcome the King and Queen here.’
John McLeish, chair of the Scottish Tartans Authority, said: ‘The King Charles III tartan now takes its place in the history books.
‘It was a great privilege to be at Braemar today to witness His Majesty wearing the tartan for the first time.’
‘Generated for us all such a mixture of emotions’