King Charles looked to be in brilliant spirits on Wednesday when he headed to the Scottish Highlands to visit the Cairngorms National Park.
His Majesty looked animated and happy as he congratulated the people involved in fighting a major wildfire that occurred there this summer.
The poignant engagement saw him meeting face-to-face with courageous firefighters, dedicated volunteers, community leaders, and local landowners who pulled together during this crisis.
His Majesty was photographed traversing the tricky terrain, relying on a shoulder-height shepherd’s crook to steady him on the rough ground.
© Getty ImagesThe King’s ornate stick of choice is a traditional country fair walking stick, rather than a walking aid, with the lofty cane specifically created to help in challenging conditions.
A turn in the tide
When His Majesty was spotted with a stick last summer (at both the Chelsea Flower Show and the Windsor Horse Show), royal watchers raised concerns for the King’s health, fretting over his frailty, but the tide has turned now, with a wash of comments noting how brilliant the 77-year-old looked.
© Getty Images“He looks really, really well and healthy,” one praised, while another said: “I’d say Charles looks amazing.”
Others commented on the uncanny similarity to his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II – who was also partial to a posh walking stick.
© Getty Images“Can really see his mother as he ages,” one commented, while another said: “He does look very healthy. In the photo of the King standing alone by the display table, HM looks so like the late Queen, his mother.”
© Getty ImagesThe season of the stick
Though walking sticks are generally associated with elderly people who require assistance to relieve pressure on painful joints and improve their balance, King Charles has been calling upon his stick collection since he was a young man – particularly when out and about enjoying country pursuits.
Also, it’s important to remember that King Charles works hard on his mobility and stability; speaking to sprinter Desiree Henry, King Charles revealed that he “exercises twice a day”, performing “squats and does the pull-up bar” – impressive!
Both of these moves will help His Majesty with his healthy ageing routine, and we suspect he still lives up to his “mountain goat” reputation, as revealed by Queen Camilla when talking about her husband’s love of hiking.
Read the full article here
