Queen begins her annual summer holiday at Balmoral by inspecting her troops
THE QUEEN began her annual summer holiday today by inspecting a guard of honour at the gates of the castle.
The Queen began her annual summer holiday at Balmoral today
Resplendent in pink, the Queen was presented with a pony bedecked in the green tartan livery of the guard.
A large crowd gathered to watch the ceremony as the bagpipers played for their sovereign.
The traditional ceremony outside the gates of was held to mark the Queen’s official arrival in Scotland
The soldiers stay at the nearby Victory Barracks in Ballater and are the Queen’s bodyguard for the duration of the holiday, usually two months.
It’s the most beautiful place on earth. I think Granny is the most happy there
Balmoral was bought by Prince Albert for £32,000 in 1852 and is said to be the Queen's favourite home.
The Queen does not have any major public duties at Balmoral.
The Queen was presented with a pony bedecked in the green tartan livery of the guard
Balmoral Castle: Scottish holiday home to the Royal Family
Her former royal protection officer Richard Griffin revealed that clad in tweeds and a headscarf she once stopped for a conversation with American tourists visiting the estate who did not recognise the lady that they were talking to.
Princess Eugenie said of Balmoral: “It’s the most beautiful place on earth. I think Granny is the most happy there.
“I think she really, really loves the Highlands.”