Royal enthusiasts in Scotland get set to celebrate coronation of King and Queen Consort
Balmoral Castle - the Scottish home of the Royal Family and where the late Queen spent her final days - will host vintage buses, a falconry display and pipe band performances.
Sunday 30 April 2023 14:26, UK
Royal enthusiasts from across the globe are getting set to celebrate the King's coronation.
In Scotland, Balmoral Castle promises a party to remember.
The Scottish home of the Royal Family - and where the late Queen spent her final days - will host vintage buses, a falconry display and pipe band performances.
King Charles III will officially be crowned on Saturday, alongside the Queen Consort Camilla.
Ahead of the historical ceremony, we visited Balmoral Castle as well as nearby Braemar and Ballater in Aberdeenshire.
All those we spoke to said they will be watching the coronation.
Mary McCall, from Aberdeenshire, plans to throw a "tea party for one" in celebration.
The pensioner said the Royal Family are regulars at the annual Braemar Gathering, which was first attended by Queen Victoria in 1848.
Speaking fondly about one of the Highland Games, she said: "It was the 1980s and the Queen was there with Charles and Diana. I'll never forget it."
She said the Queen "really looked like she was enjoying herself" at one of the more recent events, adding: "Charles was there and they were having so much fun."
Ms McCall said King Charles will have a "hell of a job" to supersede the late Queen's "remarkable" reign.
She highlighted the King is known for his climate change activism and organic farming, adding: "I expect that will continue."
Speaking about rumours of a "slimmed-down monarchy", Ms McCall said putting the Prince and Princess of Wales at its centre would be a "smart move".
"William, Kate and the kids are the future of the Royal Family," she said.
"I don't think Charles will shake things up with the way he conducts himself as King. He's a stable replacement after his mum. And stability is what this country needs."
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Robert Parkin, visiting Braemar from Berwick-upon-Tweed, said the King "will be as good as his mother".
Hazel Stephen, from north of Aberdeen, agreed with the sentiment, adding: "He is going to do his mum proud."
Alejandra Usero, from Spain, which has its own monarchy, said times have changed since the late Queen's coronation in 1953.
"King Charles has his work cut out for him," she said during a visit to Balmoral Castle.
"Back in the day things like religion and the Royal Family would unite people. Now, there are a lot of raised voices about whether royals are needed at all.
"Charles is no stranger to controversy, especially when it comes to Princess Diana. The recent drama surrounding Harry and Meghan, as well as Prince Andrew, doesn't help either. He's got some critics to win over."
Ms Usero hopes Charles III will be a "kind king" and said she will be watching the coronation from her home in Madrid.
She added: "He's got big boots to fill. I don't think we'll ever see another monarch like Queen Elizabeth, but I wish him good luck."
The Marshall family, from Connecticut in New England, said they will be watching the coronation on their return to America.
As well as Buckingham Palace, they also wanted to visit Balmoral Castle on their travels.
They said it was "emotional" to think the Queen spent her final days at the Aberdeenshire estate, which was bought by Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, in 1852.
Laura, the youngest of the clan, said: "She must have loved this place.
"We probably romanticise the royals more than the Brits do. There's just something magical about them.
"Charles has been moulded to take over as king from the day he was born. The Queen was loved by a lot of people. I'm sure by the end of his reign King Charles will also be remembered affectionately."
When in Scotland, the Royal Family attend Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle.
King Charles also worships at Canisbay Parish Church in Caithness when staying at the Castle of Mey near John O'Groats.
Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields, moderator of the general assembly of the Church of Scotland, will be a guest at the coronation.
He told Sky News it will be a "very special moment in history", adding: "I will play a part in [the] service by presenting King Charles with a specially made bible as his first gift, a tradition which has been part of every coronation since Mary II and William III in 1689.
"We will be praying that God is with him and Her Majesty Queen Camilla as they carry out their public duties at home and abroad."