Queen stuns in bright pink outfit and patriotic brooch as she takes up summer residence at Balmoral Castle

The Queen beamed as she was greeted by a Shetland pony at the gates of Balmoral

Queen Elizabeth II during an inspection of the Balaklava Company, 5 Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland at the gates at Balmoral, as she takes up summer residence at the castle, on August 9, 2021
(Image credit: Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The Queen delighted onlookers with her raspberry pink outfit and patriotic brooch choice as she took up summer residence at her Scottish home, Balmoral Castle.


The Queen has stunned royal fans with a particularly summery outfit choice and meaningful brooch as she arrived at Balmoral Castle on August 9. Her Majesty arrived in Aberdeenshire several days ago but has now been officially welcomed to her Scottish home. Whilst the Queen traditionally enjoys a relaxing break in Scotland each summer, this year marks the first time she has visited Balmoral since losing her beloved husband of 73-years, Prince Philip.

The monarch has invited her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to join her over the years and it’s thought likely that some of them might visit this summer. As she enjoys private family time, the Queen is understood to prefer more low-key attire during her vacation, leading to a hilarious response one year when Balmoral tourists failed to recognize her

But as she was welcomed to Balmoral this year, Her Majesty certainly pulled out all the style stops. 

Queen Elizabeth II during an inspection of the Balaklava Company, 5 Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland

(Image credit: Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

For this important appearance, the Queen selected an elegant outfit in a beautiful shade of raspberry pink. As well as a classic coat, she opted for a matching pink hat with an intricate flower-style detail. Underneath, the monarch wore a white floral-patterned dress, which perfectly coordinated with her summery look. 

And the Queen’s patriotism also came shining through, as she proudly pinned her Royal Regiment of Scotland brooch neatly on her coat. Her Majesty is the Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment and it was whilst wearing this wonderful bright outfit that she inspected an impressive Guard of Honor. This reportedly consisted of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, as well as 5 Scots and the Balaklava Company. 

Queen Elizabeth II during an inspection of the Balaklava Company, 5 Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland at the gates at Balmoral

(Image credit: Photo by Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

They greeted the Queen outside the gates of Balmoral Castle and pipes and drums were also played to honor her. Not only that, but the beaming monarch also met their mascot, an adorable Shetland pony named Lance Corporal Cruachan IV, who once tried to cheekily nibble her bouquet of flowers during a trip to Scotland back in 2017. 

The Queen is well-known for her love of horses, whilst Balmoral is said to be one of her favorite royal residences. Despite her immense grief at the loss of Prince Philip in April, she appeared to be full of joy to have been welcomed back to her Scottish home. 

Her Majesty is expected to remain at Balmoral until the autumn and will likely be visited by her royal relatives, with Prince William and Kate Middleton and Prince Edward and Countess Sophie being amongst those who have been invited in the past.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!