The Royal Family attend the Braemar Games

The Queen was joined by her eldest son and eldest grandson today as she attended the Highland Games held at Braemar. Prince Charles and Peter Phillips showed their support for the event which has been a fixture in the royal calendar for over 170 years.

Queen Victoria began the tradition of attending the Braemar Games in 1848 and the Queen has never missed an event during her reign. This year she was accompanied to the gathering by Charles and Camilla, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay when in Scotland, as well as Peter Phillips and his wife, Autumn.

The royal party enjoyed a packed programme of events. This year’s gathering included many of the familiar sports from a Highlands Gathering such as tug-of-war, putting the stone and the world famous tossing the caber. There were also pipe bands as well as Scottish dancing on the programme for the day.

The Queen, wearing bright purple, seemed in good spirits as she watched the games.

There has been a Highlands Gathering in the Braemar area for over nine centuries. However, royal involvement in the event goes back to the time of Queen Victoria. She first attended the games in 1848 and since her time, every reigning monarch has taken on the role of patron to the event. The Queen is now known as the Chieftan of the Braemar Gathering.

The Royal Family’s attendance at Games usually marks the beginning of the end of their summer break. Although the Queen is expected to stay at her Scottish residence for another few weeks, Charles and Camilla have already returned to royal duties.