CONTINUING ROYAL TRADITION THE KING AND QUEEN ATTEND CHURCH AS BALMORAL BREAK BEGINS

For decades, an outing to Crathie Kirk signalled the start of the royal summer

- TRACY SCHAVERIEN

Smiling and waving as they drove to the local church, the King and Queen embraced royal tradition as they kicked off their summer holiday at Balmoral.

His Majesty was spotted at the wheel of his Audi, looking happy and relaxed as he and the Queen arrived at Crathie Kirk for the Sunday service. Wearing a beige jacket, white shirt and dark tie, he beamed with delight, while Camilla, in a white blouse, blue dress and red hat, looked equally cheerful.

For decades, an outing to the country church in the village of Crathie unofficially signalled the start of Elizabeth II's summer break at her home in the Scottish Highlands, and it seems that the new monarch plans to follow suit.