Today (18 August), His Majesty The King was officially welcomed to Balmoral by a Guard of Honour provided by Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (5 SCOTS).
Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland providing the Guard of Honour.
is Majesty The King was officially welcomed to Balmoral by a Guard of Honour provided by Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
His Majesty The King sharing a joke with Pony Major Rory Stweart and Corporal Cruachan IV, regimental mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
THis Majesty The King talks with Piper Lewis Huxter from 2 SCOTS.
The King is the Colonel in Chief of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Balaklava Company, although an independent rifle company, is renowned for its ceremonial presence in Scotland, with Royal Guard in Balmoral being one of its most privileged positions.
"Welcoming His Majesty The King to Balmoral is a huge privilege for Balaklava Company."
Officer Commanding Balaklava Company, Major Tommy Blair MBE, in his second year in command of Balaklava Company said:
“Welcoming His Majesty The King to Balmoral is a huge privilege for Balaklava Company. While Balaklava has a huge amount of ceremonial experience in Scotland and the wider UK, we have welcomed a number of new soldiers to the company in the past year and, for some, this was their first encounter with our Colonel in Chief.”
Major Blair added: “The standard of turnout and ceremony on show today reflects the many hours of dedicated preparation that all ranks in the company have put into marking this very special occasion.”
The Pipes, Drums and Bugles of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS) provided musical support and were led by Drum Major, Sergeant William Crawford, and Pipe Major, Colour Sergeant Joe Davies.
Pipe Major Davies, who is no stranger to high-profile ceremonial events said:
“It’s always a privilege to perform for the arrival of His Majesty The King, and this year was particularly special for me as it was my first time leading the 2 SCOTS Pipes, Drums and Bugles. I’ve had the honour of taking part in this ceremony a number of times throughout my career, but leading the band made it an especially memorable experience.”
He added: “Balmoral provides a magnificent setting for the band, and it was a great honour to welcome His Majesty as he begins his summer stay at Balmoral.”
"Balmoral provides a magnificent setting for the band, and it was a great honour to welcome His Majesty as he begins his summer stay at Balmoral."
Shetland pony, Corporal Cruachan IV (the mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland), was also on parade with his handler Corporal Rory Stewart.
Balaklava Company took up Royal Guard in July and will remain in Balmoral until October.
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