King Charles III arrived at Balmoral on 18 August 2026 to begin his summer residence at the Scottish Highlands estate, where he was greeted by a guard of honour from the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The monarch, who holds the title of Colonel in Chief of the regiment, inspected troops from Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, who began their royal guard duties in July and are due to remain at Balmoral until October.
During the ceremony, the King also greeted Corporal Cruachan IV, the Shetland pony that serves as the regiment's mascot, who appeared on parade alongside his handler, Corporal Rory Stewart.
Who took part in the ceremonial welcome?
Major Tommy Blair, now in his second year leading Balaklava Company, described the occasion as a significant moment for his unit.
Welcoming His Majesty the King to Balmoral is a huge privilege for Balaklava Company.
Blair noted that despite the company's extensive record of ceremonial duties across Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, several newly enlisted soldiers were taking part in a royal engagement for the first time.
The standard of turnout and ceremony on show today reflects the many hours of dedicated preparation that all ranks in the company have put into marking this very special occasion.
What role did music play in the arrival ceremony?
The pipes, drums and bugles of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland provided musical accompaniment for the King's arrival, under the direction of drum major Sergeant William Crawford and pipe major Colour Sergeant Joe Davies.
Davies said the occasion carried particular personal significance as it marked his debut leading the battalion's musicians in this role.
It's always a privilege to perform for the arrival of His Majesty the King, and this year was particularly special for me as it was my first time leading the 2 SCOTS pipes, drums and bugles.
I've had the honour of taking part in this ceremony a number of times throughout my career, but leading the band made it an especially memorable experience.
Once the formal proceedings concluded, the King spent time greeting members of the public who had gathered outside the estate's gates to catch a glimpse of him.
What else has changed at Balmoral this year?
According to a report from the Telegraph, the King has reinstated Balmoral's traditional Highland men-at-arms guard, a ceremonial unit said to be returning to the estate for the first time in roughly 90 years. Separately, according to the Mirror, the King is expected to host as many as 30 family members at Balmoral during the course of his stay.
When did Balmoral close to visitors this summer?
Balmoral's public visiting season came to an end on 9 August 2026, with the estate's grounds, gardens, Mews Gift Shop, restaurant and Ballroom Exhibition all closing to tourists from 10 August so the royal family could take up residence, according to Hello magazine. Before travelling to Balmoral, the King had spent time earlier in August at the Castle of Mey, according to GB News, continuing a modified summer schedule he has followed since becoming monarch that begins at Mey before shifting to Balmoral, as noted by Town & Country.
What happens next at Balmoral?
The King and Queen Camilla are expected to remain in residence at the Royal Deeside estate until October 2026, according to a national broadcaster's video report. Balmoral's grounds are anticipated to reopen to the public for the autumn season in early October 2026, per Hello magazine's coverage.
Key Facts
- King Charles III arrived at Balmoral on 18 August 2026 to begin his summer stay.
- Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland began royal guard duties in July and will serve until October.
- Balmoral's traditional Highland men-at-arms guard has reportedly been revived after roughly 90 years.
- Up to 30 family members are expected to join the King at Balmoral this summer.
- The estate closed to public visitors on 10 August 2026 and is due to reopen in early October.
