The Queen and Prince Philip were treated to impressive displays of caber-tossing, throwing the hammer and a tug-of-war competition by H.M. Forces when they attended the annual Braemar Gathering in Scotland at the weekend during their summer stay at nearby Balmoral.
Clearly enjoying her traditional visit to the games, the Queen met some of the brawny sportsmen at the gathering near Aberdeen and exchanged jokes with the winner of the caber-tossing contest when she presented him with his prize.
Looking bright and cheerful, she and Prince Philip, who was sporting his kilt, fully joined in the enthusiasm of the 20,000-strong crowds that turned up to see the day's events in the beautiful Scottish park.
And to protect herself against the nip in the highland air, the Queen covered her legs with a plaid blanket while she watched the contests and enjoyed performances by the pipe band and highland dancers.
Similar games have taken place in Braemar for 900 years, since the days of King Malcolm Canmore.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
