King Charles was officially welcomed to Balmoral, where he praised the British public’s “extraordinary compassion” for those in need.
The 75-year-old monarch wore a kilt in his own King Charles III tartan, paired with red hose and a brown leather sporran, as he inspected a guard of honour from the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
He also stood for the national anthem and took time to greet locals who had gathered near the gates during the welcome ceremony.
Accompanying the King was his equerry, Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, who transitioned to a less public-facing role last year. In the coming weeks, Charles is expected to host family members at his Scottish residence.
The King’s appearance follows his message on World Humanitarian Day, where he commended the British public for their “remarkable generosity” and unwavering support for those in need.
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) provided the monarch with an update on its work, which includes aid efforts in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Pakistan, Turkey-Syria, and closely monitored areas like Sudan and Gaza.
Charles was also presented with a photo gallery featuring 15 images from recent campaigns, depicting hot meals being given to families displaced by conflict in Gaza, a Ukrainian family in a refugee shelter in Poland, and rescuers searching for survivors after the Turkey-Syria earthquakes. The DEC is an umbrella organization that unites 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds during international crises.
In his heartfelt written message, the King said: “In the face of such unbearably difficult circumstances for so many, the British public never fail to step up and show extraordinary compassion to those in need.
“These images show just a fraction of the work undertaken by local and international humanitarians, volunteers and aid workers to help the member charities of the Disasters Emergency Committee.”
The King continued: “Set against the backdrop of conflict, climate change and natural disasters, I was particularly drawn to the recurring themes of hope and resilience running through these photographs.
“I can only express my warmest possible thanks for the remarkable generosity of the British public in enabling swift action to support those in the most desperate of conditions, and my particular admiration for those humanitarians who risk so much in the service of others.”
