The King and Queen attended the Braemar Gathering in Scotland

King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended the Braemar Gathering 2026, the Highland games in Braemar, Aberdeenshire, on Saturday 5 September. The event draws spectators from around the world.

The King and Queen at the Braemar Gathering. Photo: The Royal Household

The games are held on the first Saturday of September each year, coinciding with the monarch's annual summer stay at Balmoral, a few miles away.

• A royal tradition since 1848

Queen Victoria attended the games in 1848, and the reigning monarch has attended regularly ever since. The royal couple followed the competitions from the royal pavilion, the King holding this year's programme.

The King and Queen followed the games from the stand. The King wore a tweed jacket and kilt. Photo: The Royal Household

The programme features traditional Highland events such as tossing the caber, the hammer throw and tug of war, along with Highland dancing and pipe bands.

• A bouquet of heather on arrival

Queen Camilla was presented with a bouquet of white heather by a girl in traditional Highland dress. The bouquet was tied with a tartan ribbon, and the Queen kept it with her in the stand.

The Queen was presented with the heather by a girl in Highland dress. Photo: The Royal Household Queen Camilla with the heather bouquet during the games. Photo: The Royal Household

• The Balmoral Highlanders

In August it was announced that the first two members of the revived Balmoral Highlanders would take part in the Braemar Gathering. The King has re-established the unit, which was disbanded in 1936, and both of the new Highlanders are employees of the Balmoral Estate.

The King and Queen among the guests in the stand at Braemar. Photo: The Royal Household