Prince Charles and other members of the royal family this weekend attended the 184th annual Highland Games as upwards of 20,000 people descended on the Deeside village of Braemar for the festivities.
Yet while Charles donned a kilt, as per royal protocol, Prince Willian opted for a conservative navy blue suit over the traditional tartan. Some had speculated that the now 19-year-old prince would show his knees for his first adult appearance at the Highland Games. However, those rumours proved unfounded as the royal heart-throb hid behind classic slacks.
The royal family have had a strong presence at the Highland Games since 1848, and this year was no exception. The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Countess of Wessex all made an appearance at the games, the most important Scottish engagement on the royal calendar.
“Highland games are one of Scotland’s most historic cultural events, with their origins dating back over 1,000 years, when they originally served a variety of martial and sporting functions,” says a spokeswoman for the event’s sponsor Glenfiddich. “Today they are still important in maintaining a feeling of community in some of Scotland’s outlying regions, but also play an increasing role in attracting tourism to Scotland from around the globe.”
Unfortunately, those hoping to catch a glimpse of the beloved Queen Mother were disappointed. The 101-year-old royal was forced to miss the event, which includes the hill race and piping music competitions, as her doctors advised her to rest. Concerns over the Queen Mother’s health have circulated of late following the revelation that she suffers from anaemia. However, a spokeswoman from the Palace insists the ageing royal is doing well: “She went to church today, which is an indication that she is all right.”
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
