In Pictures: Royals watch Highland games at Braemar Gathering

Competitors demonstrate feats of strength, dexterity and stamina as they take part in traditional Scottish sporting events and cultural pursuits.

Published Sep 2, 2023

The King and Queen have joined the crowds at Braemar Gathering, the annual Highland games held near their Aberdeenshire estate.

The event is considered a favourite of the royals, with Charles regularly in attendance alongside his late mother, who was chieftain of the games.

King Charles and Queen Camilla during the Braemar Gathering (Andrew Milligan/PA)

They were joined by the King's sister, the Princess Royal, and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence — They were joined by the King’s sister, the Princess Royal, and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence (obscured, far left) (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Crowds from across the globe watch competitors demonstrating feats of strength, dexterity and stamina as they take part in traditional Scottish sporting events such as the caber toss, hammer throw, and tug-of-war.

An athlete tosses the hammer during the field events (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The Braemar Gathering highland games — The foot races are said to be some of the longest to be continually staged (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Cultural arts are also on show with Highland dancers and pipe bands.

While Braemar has hosted gatherings since the days of King Malcolm Canmore 900 years ago, the event has been run in its present form since 1832.