The highland games event, which takes place just a short drive from Balmoral Castle where Queen Elizabeth died on 8 September last year, was always a firm favourite of hers.

Welcoming the King and Queen to the showground, commentator Robert Lovie said: "We were all so saddened by the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth who had been such a great supporter of these highland games throughout her life."

Reflecting on the King's long personal connection with the event, he added: "Your Majesty has been attending this world-famous gathering since the tender age of six.

"Today, as we welcome Your Majesties to this iconic Highland gathering, in a part of Scotland that you love so dearly, may I, on behalf of everyone here, wish both Your Majesties a long, happy and glorious reign."

Queen Elizabeth was patron of the Braemar Royal Highland Society. At the moment it is unclear who will take up the role but the new monarch has been invited to replace his mother.

The King and Queen were joined by his sister Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Tim Laurence.

Looking relaxed, they seemed to enjoy watching the events together, which included tossing the caber, the sack race and girls dancing the Highland Fling.

The King was laughing with his sister, while Anne at one point was seen shouting and giving a thumbs up towards the showground.

The King, always a fan of wearing a kilt when north of the border, was dressed in a newly created King Charles III tartan for the first time.

The green, blue and red tartan was designed by the Scottish Tartans Authority to mark the occasion of his coronation and to recognise his strong support in preserving the culture and traditions of Highland Dress and Scottish Tartans.

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Every year, Queen Elizabeth was photographed at the event alongside her family, often in fits of laughter watching the sack race.

This year her son and heir have also followed her tradition of spending part of the summer at Balmoral Castle.

Later on Saturday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was due to arrive - another annual tradition started by the late Queen, who had 14 of her 15 prime ministers to stay.

Liz Truss was the exception after becoming prime minister days before her death.

The King and Queen are due to spend the anniversary of his mother's passing at Balmoral.