King Charles III attends the 200th anniversary 2023 Lonach Gathering & Highland Games in Scotland
His Majesty King Charles III attends the 2023 Lonach Gathering and Highland Games at Bellabeg in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This was held on Saturday 26th August 2023 and marked the 200th anniversary of the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society.
His majesty King Charles III was greeted with cheers from the crowd and Piper James Cooper. He was welcomed to the Games by the Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire Sandy Manson and members of the Lonach Highland and Friendly Society, including Patron Sir James Forbes and Secretary Lauren Johnston. His Majesty then watched the magnificent parade of the Lonach Highlanders as they arrived at the Games for their opening march, led by James Wilson-Mitchell on his bicycle and the Lonach Pipe Band, with Socks the Lonach horse bringing up the rear.
Afterwards His Majesty walked around the Games, meeting contestants in the events, starting one of the running races, and was introduced to Drum Major Neil Jamieson and Pipe Major Michael Laing of the Lonach Pipe Band, who led the morning march and parade. Afterwards His Majesty was introduced to members of the Grampian Games Committee of which Lonach is part and then members of the Lonach Highlanders and Society.
His Majesty was wearing a Balmoral tartan kilt and was presented with a cap by the Society patron Sir James Fobes of Newe.