News
TRH visit businesses in Ballater
24th September 2007
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall today visited local businesses and met members of the community in Ballater, close to the Balmoral Estate.
During a visit to Pringle’s Garage, His Royal Highness was shown a Land Rover belonging to his late grandfather King George VI, which has been sitting in a garage for 40 years.
Their Royal Highnesses, who are known as The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, were visiting the garage in the Aberdeenshire village of Ballater which has had the vehicle since the 1960s.
It was owned by King George VI, who used it during stays at nearby Balmoral Castle on Royal Deeside.
His Royal Highness, who was dressed in a Gordon Highlanders kilt, was intrigued when garage owner Robert Pringle told him who had previously owned the vehicle.
Mr Pringle said: "The Land Rover belonged to the late King and was bought by us in 1966.
"We brought it in last year and are planning to do it up. It is a beautiful car and it still runs well.
Mr Pringle added: "The Prince was very interested in it, he was delighted. It was lovely to see him and The Duchess."
King George VI reigned from 1936 until his death in 1952. He became King on the abdication of his brother, King Edward VIII.
During today's visit Their Royal Highnesses also officially opened the new McEwens of Perth department store.
About 100 locals had lined the streets to welcome the couple and clapped when they arrived.
After being piped in they met staff before untying a red ribbon, formally opening the shop.
Their Royal Highnesses were then presented with gift bags.
These included Scottish knitwear and gadgets from the shop. Their Royal Highnesses, who enjoy walking in the surrounding hills of Royal Deeside, were also given pairs of walking socks.
John Bullough, Managing Director of McEwens, said they were "absolutely delighted" with the visit.
Their Royal Highnesses also visited a bakery, clothes shop and the local butchers.
All of the businesses are Royal Warrant Holders by appointment of The Prince of Wales.