Queen Elizabeth.Photo: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
Queen Elizabethhas moved into Scotland’s Balmoral Castle for the rest of the summer — and received a fitting welcome.
The 95-year-old monarch took part in the traditional ceremonial welcome on Monday, standing out in a bright pink ensemble and carrying her signature handbag. Although the Queen visited Balmoral last summer, the ceremony was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Queen participated in an inspection of the Balaklava Company, 5 Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland at the gates at Balmoral — and came face-to-face again with their mascot, a Shetland Pony named Cruachan IV.
Queen Elizabeth.Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
The horse-loving royal has even quipped, “Here we are again,” upon seeing the mascot.
Cruachan appeared to go without his cheeky antics for Monday’s occasion, standing still as the Queen spoke to his handler.
Queen Elizabeth.Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty
Although the monarchleft Windsor Castle for Balmoral last month, she was likely staying elsewhere on the estate before officially moving into the castle.
This marks the first summer holiday the Queen will spend without her husbandPrince Philipsince his death in April at age 99.
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For more than 150 years, the Scottish castle has served as a private retreat for the British royals. In the highlands, the royals normally like to entertain friends, hold dances, picnic and go on shooting parties — all the while battling the nibbling little flies that stalk the heather-covered mountain sides.
Although it’s a vacation, it’s not all play for the monarch while she’s away in the Scottish Highlands. She does continue to work, reading her diplomatic papers in the famous “red boxes” that are delivered daily. She also normally continues to hold audiences and undertake some public engagements, between visits from members of the family.
The expansive property has been in the royal family since 1845, when Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, purchased the castle and the surrounding 7,000 acre estate.
source: people.com
