The King greeted tourists from across Europe at the gates of Balmoral as he marked the official start of his summer residency in Scotland with a military ceremony involving a Shetland pony.

On Monday morning, Charles arrived in the Aberdeenshire castle in his state Bentley and inspected regimental mascot Corporal Cruachan IV, a Shetland pony, as it stood with handler Corporal Rory Stewart as the monarch inspected his Royal Guard .

A Guard of Honour was held by Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) to officially welcome the King to Balmoral, although he attended a church service there on Sunday in a private capacity.

After the ceremony, there was a performance from the Pipes and Drums, formed by soldiers from across the regiment, including from

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