King rubs nose of cheeky Corporal Cruachan IV, mascot of Royal Regiment of Scotland, on official visit to Balmoral

The King has been officially welcomed to Balmoral by a guard of honour – featuring the cheeky mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland – for the first time since he came to the throne. 

A small ceremony was held outside the gates of Balmoral Castle, with a guard of honour formed by Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, under the Command of Major Robert Weir. 

Shetland pony mascot Corporal Cruachan IV received a rub on the nose from the King – who was recently announced as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, succeeding his late mother in the role. 

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Cpl Cruachan IV, known for being quite cheeky, nibbled on the late Queen's bouquet of flowers during a state visit to Stirling Castle in 2016.

Traditionally the monarch inspects troops when taking up residence at the castle during the summer break. 

The Pipes and Drums of 4th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland also performed at the ceremony while crowds gathered outside the gates to watch the pageantry.

Last year, the ceremony was held in private for the Queen's comfort, as she continued to struggle with mobility issues, just weeks before her death.