The Queen receives official welcome to Balmoral Castle
The ceremony even involved a Shetland Pony.
Last updated 9th Aug 2021
The Queen has officially arrived at Balmoral Castle, welcomed with a guard of honour, featuring a Shetland pony.
As is tradition, the Queen inspected troops from the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The 3rd Battalion performed the pipes and drums during the ceremony, which also featured a Shetland pony - Lance Corporal Cruachan IV.
This is the first time the Monarch has visited Balmoral for her annual stay since the death of her Husband the Duke of Edinburgh.
The spot on Royal Deeside has been a regular fixture for the royal family since the days of Queen Victoria.
Various members of the Royal Family are welcomed to join her at the castle throughout her stay.
A picture released following Philip's death in April showed the Queen and her late husband surrounded by their great-grandchildren at their Scottish home.
The Queen left for Scotland just over two weeks ago and is believed to have been staying at Craigowan Lodge on the Balmoral estate where she normally spends the initial period of her summer holiday.
Last year the welcome ceremony was not performed due to the pandemic.