King Charles marks milestone anniversary during special Scotland visit with Queen Camilla
King Charles was in Aberdeen today as he officially opened the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) annual Summer Flower Show at Duthie Park, marking his Majesty’s first since becoming the RHSA patron. He dazzled crowds in a tartan kilt and sporran for his milestone appearance.
The patronage was previously held by Queen Elizabeth II who inherited it from her father King George VI. The monarch, 75, headed to Duthie Park on the milestone anniversary day for the show as it marked its 200th anniversary.
King Charles, accompanied by Brian Grant, Chairman of the RHSA, met exhibitors and RHSA members and viewed floral displays, including vegetables entered in the National Vegetable Society Scottish Group vegetable competition.
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Upon arrival, Charles was met with the sound of bagpipes and was received by Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeen David Cameron. As well as speaking to people, he was also shown displays, which included photographs of the late Queen Mother at RHS Aberdeen’s 175th anniversary show.
In the marquee, he met eight-year-old schoolboy Oliver Keith, who showed the King his prize-winning cardboard crown, with the youngster trying it on in front of him after the monarch asked him if he would like to.
On his way out of the marquee, he cut a gold-coloured ribbon with garden shears and officially opened the show. The Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen was founded in 1824 by four men who called a public meeting to form the Society.
For the past 200 years it has remained a voluntary organisation aiming to "advance knowledge and encourage the practice of horticulture in the community".
King Charles and Queen Camilla are currently holidaying on the Balmoral estate in the Scottish Highlands. His time spent at Balmoral included attending the Mey Highlands Games and a visit to a giant peat bog in Caithness that has recently been given UNESCO World Heritage site status.
The King's visit to the annual Summer Flower Show today comes after reports that he is considering mending his strained relationship with his younger son, Prince Harry.
Tensions have risen between Harry and the King since Harry and Meghan resigned from their positions as senior working royals in 2020.
Prince Harry last visited his father this February, following King Charles' announcement regarding his health. The visit at Clarence House, albeit brief, marked Harry's return to the UK from America, where he lives with Meghan Markle and their children.
Since their departure from royal duties, Harry and Meghan have been candid about their personal experiences, sharing insights in interviews like the bombshell chat with Oprah Winfrey and through their self-titled Netflix documentary series, stirring up controversy among royal commentators.
