King Charles has inspected the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, at the gates of Balmoral.

King Charles inspects the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (Image: PA)

King Charles has been officially welcomed to Balmoral by a guard of honour, as he begins his summer break at the famous Scottish castle.

In a small ceremony outside the Castle gates, the King inspected the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The 75-year-old monarch wore his beloved tartan kilt, long red socks and a matching brown waistcoat and jacket.

It is tradition for the monarch to inspect the troops when taking up residence at the castle during the summer break.

The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Corps of Signals performed at the ceremony and the King went and spoke to some of the members after inspecting the guard of honour.

King Charles III inspects the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (Image: PA)

King Charles III during the National Anthem before inspecting the troops (Image: PA)

The King and Queen have spent the last few weeks at Birkhall, with Charles visiting the Mey Highland Games at the start of the month.

They will not take residence at Balmoral, where several family members are expected to make the trip up to join them – including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children.