Prince Charles enjoys Highland games as he stands in for the Queen, 96, at one of her favourite events
PRINCE Charles beamed today as he stood in for the Queen at a traditional Highland Games event.
The Prince of Wales, 73, was joined by the Duchess of Cornwall for the action-packed competition as Her Majesty, 96, stayed at home.
It was initially hoped the monarch would be there for today's gathering in Braemar, Scotland, as it is usually a highlight in her royal calendar.
But sources yesterday confirmed both comfort and travel would prove difficult for Her Maj, who has been suffering with mobility issues for the last year.
Charles, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, donned a kilt and knee-high socks this afternoon, while Camilla wore an elegant green coat.
And the pair, who will present awards to top-performing competitors, were all smiles as they officially opened The Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Archway during the festival.
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This year's event is the first to be held since the start of the Covid pandemic.
And until now, the Queen has never missed the competition during her 70-year reign.
Members of the Royal Family attend the sporting spectacle, which is rooted in Scottish tradition, every year.
It is held at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park in Braemar on the first Saturday in September - and tests competitors' strength, dexterity and stamina.
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Events include tossing the caber, hammer throwing and tug of war - with pipe bands and Highland dancers also performing.
The Games, however, are classed as a ‘private’ event in the Queen's calendar and are not considered a public engagement.
Her absence today comes just days after it was confirmed Her Majesty will appoint the next PM - either Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak - at Balmoral on September 6, in a historic first.
They will be joined by Boris Johnson, who will also make the 1,000 mile round trip to save the Queen the long trip back to London.
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The Highland Games are organised by the Braemar Royal Highland Society and have been running since 1832.
Queen Victoria was the first royal to attend in 1848 and since then the reigning monarch and other members of the Royal Family have regularly visited it.
