Latest news with #RoyalRegimentOfScotland
BBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
King Charles takes up summer residence at Balmoral
The King has marked the start of his summer residency at Balmoral with a military ceremony involving a Shetland Charles inspected regimental mascot Corporal Cruachan IV as the animal stood with handler Corporal Rory Stewart.A Guard of Honour was held by Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) to officially welcome the King to the Aberdeenshire castle, although he attended a church service there on Sunday in a private the ceremony, there was a performance from the pipes and drums - formed by soldiers from across the regiment - in a display of pageantry which was closely linked to this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. King Charles is the Colonel in Chief of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and wore his new tartan which was designed on the date of his coronation, 6 May monarch greeted tourists and holidaymakers from France, the Netherlands and Germany in temperatures which reached 23C (73F).Cruachan IV, the mascot since 2012, was wearing a regimental horse rug in Government 1A tartan worn by the Royal Regiment of Scotland and embellished with medals.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
King Charles marks the official start of his summer residency at Balmoral
King Charles has officially begun his annual summer retreat to Balmoral Castle- marking the occasion with an inspection of The Royal Regiment of Scotland. The monarch, 76, received a warm welcome as the British Army guard of honour marked his arrival at Balmoral Castle, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The royal marked the occasion with a ceremonial inspection of the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, at the gates of the historic estate. Looking every inch the monarch in a traditional tweed jacket, kilt and sporran, His Majesty was all smiles as he greeted the troops. The poignant royal tradition, saw the King step out to meet the soldiers who serve as the Sovereign's ceremonial guard during his stay at Balmoral. Later the King greeted well-wishers who stepped out to greet him on his arrival to the estate. In a sweet moment, Charles greeted Shetland pony Cpl Cruachan IV, who is the mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. King Charles succeeded his late mother Queen Elizabeth II as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. While official details of the royal family's summer schedule remain under wraps, Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, are also expected to spend time at the estate. Queen Camilla joined the King at Balmoral yesterday, Charles looked relaxed as he was snapped driving himself and Camilla to Crathie Kirk. The King's wife, 78, appeared in equally good spirits, beaming and waving at those waiting to spot a glimpse of the royal couple as they travelled to the weekly service. Both Charles and Camilla opted for smart outfits, with the monarch sporting a camel coat, while the Queen donned a statement hat featuring a green and black feather, which appeared to match the rest of her attire. Charles and Camilla were attending the Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire organised by the Royal British Legion in what made for a moving tribute to war heroes, where they were joined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. It included two Fly Pasts, a two-minute silence, musical interludes and testimony from survivors of the so-called Forgotten War. The Prince and Princess of Wales also shared a powerful message on social media, but were not present at Friday's events - after the King addressed the nation to tell how the sacrifice of heroes would never be forgotten. Their Majesties led the nation's commemorations as they watched the moving memorial alongside veterans, members of VJ associations, military personnel and senior politicians at the event, which was held in 25C sunshine this afternoon. They listened to the The Last Post before the silence at 12pm, and the nation heard from 101-year-old former RAF Pilot Ron Gumbley, who read the poem 'For The Fallen' by Laurence Binyon. The ceremony resumed with readings from veterans, and music from military bands and choirs - as well as a tribute from actress Celia Imrie - which all appeared to spur an emotional response from their Majesties. But it was Captain Yavar Abbas who stole the show, after he went 'briefly off-script' to salute 'my brave King' for attending despite ongoing cancer treatment. The 104-year-old said that he himself had been 'rid of it for 25 years and counting', before reading an excerpt from his war diary, which he wrote while serving in the 11th Sikh regiment of the British Indian Army. 'Before I read the excerpt, I make an apology for briefly going off the script to salute my brave King,' he said, as the camera panned to show Charles and Camilla. Captain Abbas continued: 'Who is here with his beloved Queen, in spite of the fact he's under treatment for cancer, which I share with him, and if it provides comfort, of which I have been rid for the past 25 years and counting. 'And I salute him, for gracing this occasion because by his presence here, he has gone a long way to make sure that his grandad's 14th army is never given the sobriquet again of a Forgotten Army.' Following applause, and reading from a diary entry dated February 8, 1945, he said: 'Tomorrow, I hope I will live to do better things. 'I could have been dead twice before, but I'm still living. I would be surprised if I get a life for a third time. May god spare me.' His comments were met with applause from the guests, while Camilla's eyes were red from crying. As he returned to the Royal Box, Mr Abbas saluted the King once more, who stood to chat to the veteran, clasping his hands. They spoke for almost a minute before saluting each other and returning to their seats. When they were reunited at a reception for veterans later that afternoon, they greeted each other like old friends.
BBC News
16-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Royal Regiment of Scotland to receive freedom of Inverclyde
The Royal Regiment of Scotland is to become the first recipient of the freedom of Inverclyde at a special ceremony in Greenock next unanimously approved the decision to bestow the honorary title on the senior and only Scottish line infantry regiment of the British addition to the ceremony, there will also be a parade through Greenock town centre, followed by a reception at the town hall featuring performances by military bands and local local authority said it had already set aside £25,000 in the 2025/26 budget for the event. The soldiers have served in many conflicts and peacekeeping missions worldwide, including operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Graeme Brooks, who is the council's armed forces champion, put forward the motion, which was seconded by provost Drew Brooks said: "The brave men and women of the Royal Regiment of Scotland serve us at home and overseas to protect the freedoms we hold dear so it's only right that we show our appreciation by granting them the freedom of Inverclyde."It's also important that we remember and acknowledge the service of soldiers past and present, as well as their families, and this honour is as much for them as it is for current personnel."Provost McKenzie added that there was a "strong and proud connection" between Inverclyde and the armed forces, in particular the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders that merged with other regiments to form the Royal Regiment in 2006. He said: "Their motto is 'be the standard for others to follow' which I think is very apt as they lead the way in becoming the first recipients of the Freedom of Inverclyde." The regiment has previously been honoured by councils including Stirling and Dumfries. The creation of the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006 caused controversy at the time, as it meant names of famous regiments - such as the Royal Scots and the Kings Own Scottish Borderers - were dispensed such as the Black Watch and the Royal Highland Fusiliers reformed as one of the battalions in the new regiment.
BBC News
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
The Troops drills down into life inside The Royal Regiment of Scotland in new docuseries for BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer
The British Army's most deployed infantry unit, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, is set to open its barracks to TV cameras for the first time as part of a new limited docuseries for BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer. Set against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, The Troops, produced by STV Studios Factual, will take viewers to the front line of modern soldiering and paint an illuminating, multifaceted picture of what it means to serve in the British Army in 2025. The 3 x 60' series will have unprecedented access to the regiment and cover everything from life on the barracks to large-scale overseas military exercises, as soldiers and officers move towards the realities of conflict – the likes of which haven't been seen for a generation. This character-led series will also shine a light on the relatable challenges the soldiers face in their private lives, and explore how they juggle their tough, high-octane military careers with family life on the barracks and at home. The Troops is produced by STV Studios Factual for BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer. It is commissioned by Louise Thornton, BBC Scotland's Head of Multiplatform Commissioning, and David Harron, Factual Commissioning Executive. Executive Producers are Craig Hunter, Creative Director of STV Studios Factual, and Rosy Marshall-McCrae. The Series Producer is Abby Herron. The Troops was developed by Lucy Hazzard, Director of Development at STV Studios Factual, and James Burrough. David Harron, Factual Commissioning Executive, BBC Scotland, says: 'This series will give audiences rare and fascinating insights into the world of military service, by following the stories of the men and women in one of Scotland's famous regiments. The Troops is the latest in a long line of observational documentary series from BBC Scotland which compellingly explore different aspects of contemporary Scotland.' Craig Hunter, Executive Producer and Creative Director of STV Studios Factual, says: 'Our series will reveal the personal and professional lives of the men and women behind the uniform. Merging the challenges of home life with modern day soldiering, we'll follow a cast of characters facing some of the toughest working environments in the world. 'The Troops will move beyond the drills and the weapons training to accurately reflect the personalities, commitment and ambitions of an eclectic group of soldiers who could be deployed at any moment.' JG2
