The King sipped a dram of whisky as he attended the Mey Highland Games in the north of Scotland, where he watched a range of traditional sports. Wearing his kilt, Charles met spectators and competitors enjoying the Caithness event on Saturday.
Charles has held the title of Chieftain at the Mey Highland Games since 2002, when he took it over from his mother, the late Queen.
Traditional sports and competitors
The King watched athletes take part in the traditional tug o' war, with a group of firefighters among those competing. He shook hands with the firefighters after they won their competition.
Other competitors he met included the Wounded Highlanders, a team of injured military veterans who regularly participate in adaptive competitions at the Mey Highland Games.
Charles also saw the tossing of the caber, an event in which entrants carry a long, heavy tree trunk and throw it so it turns end over end. Troupes of Highland dancers and pipe bands also performed at the games.
History of the games
The Mey Highland Games takes place each year at the John O'Groats showground, traditionally on the first Saturday of August. The first Mey Games was held in the nearby village of Mey in 1970 to celebrate the late Queen Mother's 70th birthday.
As guest of honour, she declared the event a success and encouraged its organisers to make it an annual occasion. The event has grown considerably since 1970, with around 2,000 people turning out for it.
William and Kate at the Commonwealth Games
The King's visit to the Mey Highland Games took place as his son William, known as the Duke of Rothesay while in Scotland, attended the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow along with his wife and children.
Kate, the Duchess of Rothesay, joined Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Prince George in watching netball at the Hydro arena.
