By Katherine Tinsley
5:06pm PDT, Aug 19, 2025
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King Charles III is back in Scotland to spend the final weeks of summer at his Balmoral estate. While receiving a warm welcome, Charles was greeted by a Shetland pony known for his antics with the monarch's late mother,
Queen Elizabeth II.
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King Charles III — who wore a traditional kilt — was greeted by the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and their mascot, Shetland pony Corporal Cruachan IV, when he arrived at Balmoral.
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King Charles III was caught cracking a smile while greeting the pony, Corporal Cruachan IV. His Majesty was also seen patting Cruachan on the nose.
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While Cruachan was on his best behavior with King Charles III, the pony had a few funny encounters with Queen Elizabeth II over the years. In 2017, he munched on her bouquet of flowers, and the following year, he memorably relieved himself in front of her. "Here we are again," the queen once said while meeting the notoriously naughty equine. (Her Majesty is pictured with Cruachan II in 1978, a year before he retired.)
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As King Charles III enjoys his summer at Balmoral, the estate will be closed to the public.
