King Charles has driven himself to the morning service at Balmoral church. 

The 76-year-old monarch was seen driving himself today as he proceeded to Crathie Kirk, the preferred worship site for the royals at their Scottish retreat, Balmoral Castle.

He comfortably navigated the short drive, less than half a mile, to the chapel in the nearby village of Crathie, smiling as he traveled the sun-dappled wooded path.

Taking advantage of the pleasant weather in Aberdeenshire, with temperatures in the mid-teens, the King opted to forgo a chauffeur, driving his silver estate car with the windows rolled down.

This is his first public sighting since his visit to RAF Lossiemouth in the coastal city of the same name in Moray on Wednesday.

Charles attended the busy base to re-present the squadron standard to Number 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron. 

Both come amid the Royal Family’s weeks-long annual summer holiday to the Royal Deeside area of Scotland. 

This outing—an enduring tradition for the monarchy that dates back to the Victorian era—will include the company of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The 76-year-old monarch was seen driving himself today (pictured) as he proceeded to Crathie Kirk, the preferred worship site for the royals at their Scottish retreat, Balmoral Castle.

It marks his first public appearance since he travelled north of Balmoral to visit RAF Lossiemouth in the coastal town of the same name in Moray on Wednesday. Pictured: The King during the visit to the naval base 

Both come amid the Royal Family’s weeks-long annual summer holiday to the Royal Deeside area of Scotland. Pictured: The King inspects members of Number 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron during his visit to RAF Lossiemouth

During the Parade at RAF Lossiemouth, he addressed servicemen and women and their families. 

‘We also recognize the vital role played by your families and friends, some of whom I am delighted to see can join us today,’ he said. 

‘Their unwavering support is the foundation upon which this Squadron’s success is built. 

‘It is their encouragement and understanding that enable you all to dedicate yourselves so fully to your duties. 

‘On behalf of the Nation, I can only offer all the families my heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices you make and the strength you provide.’ 

He later met with the personnel and their relatives, including some based in Cyprus and Poland, where they are defending Nato’s eastern borders. 

The monarch also greeted representatives from local community projects, including one supporting families of deployed personnel and another planting Christmas trees at Lossiemouth Beach.  

Charles also saw a flypast of two Typhoon bombers and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft. 

During the Parade at RAF Lossiemouth, he addressed servicemen and women and their families. Pictured: The King during the visit

He later met with the personnel and their relatives, including some based in Cyprus and Poland, where they are defending Nato’s eastern borders. Pictured: The King meeting RAF soldiers and their families on his visit to RAF Lossiemouth 

Balmoral was opened to the public for the first time in its history last year – which the late Queen always insisted would never happen during her reign. Pictured: King Charles and Queen Camilla after attending a service at Crathie Kirk on April 13, 2025 

The castle was originally bought for Queen Victoria (centre, at Balmoral in 1898) by her beloved husband Prince Albert in 1852

The Scottish palace was also widely known to be one of the late Queen’s favourite residences. Pictured: The late Queen with her late husband Prince Philip and a young Princess Anne and King Charles at Balmoral in 1953 

He then toured the squadron buildings, Poseidon hangar and a multi-role maritime patrol aircraft, the crew of which he met. 

RAF Lossiemouth is one of two RAF Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) stations, designated for the full-time protection of UK airspace. 

It is made up of four Typhoon combat aircraft squadrons, three Poseidon MRA1 squadrons, an RAF Regiment squadron and a Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment reserve squadron. 

Balmoral was opened to the public for the first time in its history last year – which the late Queen always insisted would never happen during her reign. 

Visitors were able to take a guided tour of a number of the castle’s rooms, when previously they have only been able to see the ballroom and grounds.  

This year, the grounds, gardens and exhibitions will remain open to the public until August 10. 

The estate will then reopen to the public in October for the annual Autumn Artisan Markets. 

The castle was originally bought for Queen Victoria by her beloved husband Prince Albert in 1852 and it has since been a firm favourite in the Royal Family. 

Set in more than 50,000 acres, the country bolthole was described by Victoria in her diary as ‘my dear paradise in the Highlands’. 

The Scottish palace was also widely known to be one of the late Queen’s favourite residences.