King Charles and Queen Camilla beam with delight at the Braemar Gathering 2026

King Charles and Queen Camilla appeared to be thoroughly enjoying themselves as they returned to one of Scotland’s most traditional Highland events on Saturday.

The King and Queen attended the Braemar Royal Highland Gathering at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, where they watched a lively programme of Highland sports, dancing and pipe band performances.

The couple were frequently seen smiling and laughing together from the stands, with Charles appearing particularly animated as he followed the action. They were the only members of the Royal Family attending the event.

The annual gathering is a longstanding favourite of the King, who has maintained a close connection with the event for decades. The Royal Family has regularly attended the Braemar Gathering, and Charles first visited in the 1950s alongside his parents and siblings. He is now patron of the Braemar Royal Highland Society, continuing a royal association with the organisation that stretches back to the reign of Queen Victoria.

Charles and Camilla embrace the Highland tradition

The King and Queen dressed appropriately for the occasion, with both incorporating tartan into their outfits.

Charles wore a kilt made from the King Charles III tartan, which is based on the Balmoral tartan sett, a distinctive pattern dating back to around 1850.

Camilla complemented her husband in a tartan kilt, pairing it with an emerald-green jacket and a feathered hat.

Their traditional outfits have become a familiar sight at the gathering, where the couple return each year to celebrate the distinctive culture and traditions of the Scottish Highlands.

The King looked completely at home in the stands

Charles appeared to be in particularly high spirits throughout the afternoon.

Seated alongside Camilla and other spectators, he was photographed laughing and sharing light-hearted moments as the competition unfolded.

His enthusiasm for the gathering is well established. Long before becoming monarch, Charles regularly attended the event with members of his family. His connection with Braemar has continued throughout his life, making the annual visit a familiar part of his time in Scotland.

The Royal Family has described the Braemar Gathering as part of the longstanding tradition of Highland Games, with the event dating back to 1832.

A packed programme of Highland competition

There was plenty for the King and Queen to watch from their seats.

The programme included tug-of-war, caber tossing, hammer throwing and Highland dancing, alongside a parade of pipe bands.

The pair appeared attentive as they followed the different competitions, at times leaning towards one another and discussing what was happening on the field.

The gathering attracts spectators from around the world and offers a showcase of traditional Scottish sporting and musical events.

Queen Camilla was all smiles

Camilla looked equally pleased to be back at the gathering.

The Queen smiled and laughed throughout the afternoon as she sat beside Charles, appearing relaxed as she watched the various events.

She also received flowers from a young dancer when she arrived, adding a warm moment to the couple’s visit.

Together, Charles and Camilla appeared fully engaged with the spectacle around them, taking in the traditional competitions and performances while enjoying the atmosphere from the stands.

For the King in particular, the visit represented another return to an event that has been part of his connection with Scotland since childhood. As patron of the Braemar Royal Highland Society, he now carries forward a royal link that has lasted for generations.

The relaxed scenes of Charles and Camilla laughing together provided a cheerful glimpse of the couple enjoying one of their most familiar Scottish traditions.