- Amidst the Flower Exhibition and the Religious Service
Old Man Charles III, age 75, had a thrilling weekend in Scotland. Donning a kilt, he graced the opening of a flower exhibit in Aberdeen. This was his first outing with the new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, age 62. The duo also attended a church service in Balmoral for the first time.
AColorful Spectacle in Aberdeen
Taking a break from his stay in Balmoral, King Charles headed an hour and a half away to Aberdeen for a unique event. There, he officially opened the 200th edition of the "Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen" (RHS) flower show, wielding a large pair of garden shears. He wore a joyful expression throughout the event.
Photographs captured him beaming, greeting a sea of fans at the barriers, exchanging handshakes, receiving bouquets, and marveling at exquisite flowers and vegetables.
For the special occasion, Charles donned a fashionable Scottish ensemble: a cobblestone waistcoat and jacket in perfect harmony with a blue-green plaid kilt adorned with dark and red accents. He completed his ensemble with a brown leather satchel embossed with silver decorations. A lavender blossom gracefully pinned to his lapel served as the finishing touch.
A New Experience for the Prime Minister
While the new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and his spouse, Victoria, journeyed from London to spend the weekend with the royal family in Aberdeen.
Historically, British monarchs extend invitations to Prime Ministers and their spouses to relax and bond at Deeside estate. During the time of the late Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), the Prime Ministers regularly stayed for multiple nights and took part in a jam-packed schedule of barbecues and traditional games. Starmer's visit, however, was shorter, inclusive of walks on the 53-hectare estate, a private audience with King Charles, and a formal dinner.
Early Sunday morning, Starmer joined the royal family in attendance for a church service at Crathie Kirk in Balmoral. King Charles and Queen Camilla (77) were seated in the back of the royal Bentley, waving cheerfully to the crowd as they commuted to the service. Accompanying the royal family was Princess Anne (74) and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence (69), riding in an SUV.
Sir Keir Starmer's Impression of the Ceremony
Observing the royal procession to Crathie Kirk, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer noted the warm reception from the crowd. He commented on their enthusiasm and admiration for His Majesty King Charles III and the rest of the royal family.
Sir Keir Starmer and King Charles' Conversation
During their private audience, King Charles and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer discussed a range of topics, including shared interests in environmental conservation and their analyses of the UK's current political landscape. The two leaders exchanged ideas and facilitated a promising start to their working relationship.
