King Charles appeared calm and relaxed as he drove to the Sunday service at Crathie Kirk this morning.
The 75-year-old monarch, who last week was given the green light by doctors to “pause” cancer treatment, was seen behind the wheel of his Audi while making the trip to Scotland, near Balmoral.
While his wife Queen Camilla, 77, appeared to be absent from the vehicle, other guests joined him ahead of the group’s arrival for their final planned visit to Crathie Kirk this year.
The monarch looked impeccable in an impeccable light blue shirt that he combined with a sage green jacket. Their guests also looked dapper in similar dress coats, including the men who wore shirts and ties.
For the special occasion, Charles was greeted by the Royal Guard as they lined the entrance to the church and its surroundings.
King Charles appeared calm and relaxed as he drove to the Sunday service at Crathie Kirk this morning.
The 75-year-old monarch was seen driving his Audi while making the trip through Scotland, near Balmoral.
This year, the King’s Guard consisted of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS), the senior line infantry regiment and only the Scottish line infantry of the British Army.
They dressed in traditional costumes that included blue and green tartan kilts, a navy blue coat with gold buttons, and red and black socks.
While in the driver’s seat, the King seemed calm, but focused as he drove down the roads towards the Church.
He was apparently in high spirits as he waved to a crowd gathered through a half-open window.
The visit to Crathie Kirk comes after the King revealed he would not stand in the way if Australia seeks to replace him as head of state.
On Friday he was reported to have told anti-monarchists that he will not interfere if the people of Australia one day vote to remove him.
In a letter to the Australian Republic Movement (ARM), which had written to Buckingham Palace to request a meeting with the monarch when he arrives on his historic royal tour next week, his deputy private secretary emphasized the “deep love and affection ” of Her Majesty for Australia.
Dr Nathan Ross added: “Please be assured that we have taken your views on this matter very seriously.
For the special occasion, Charles was greeted by the Royal Guard as they lined the entrance to the Church and its surroundings.
While behind the wheel, the King, accompanied by guests, seemed focused as he drove along the roads towards the Church.
This year, the King’s Guard consisted of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS), the senior line infantry regiment and only the Scottish line infantry of the British Army.
“Her Majesty, as a constitutional monarch, acts on the advice of her ministers and therefore whether Australia becomes a republic is a question for the Australian public to decide.”
He also praised them for their “consideration” in writing, saying it was “warmly appreciated.”
ARM itself had praised the “important contribution” of the Royal Family, saying many Australians would continue to “respect the British monarchy” and wanted the two countries to remain “the closest friends and allies”.
But they insisted in their letter that it was time for their country to put itself “on an equal footing with other nations” internationally and said there was growing support for the move.