King Charles' Balmoral Break: Cheeky Pony Tries to Nip Royal

King Charles has begun his traditional summer break at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, following a month of public engagements. Upon arrival, the monarch met Corporal Cruachan IV, a Shetland pony mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, known for its playful behavior. This encounter followed a similar one from the previous year.

During the inspection of the Balaklava Company, the 17-year-old pony, dressed in a kilt, was seen interacting with King Charles. While initial photos showed a calm interaction, a video revealed the pony attempting to bite the King's hand, which he quickly withdrew. This incident echoes past encounters with the royal family.

Corporal Cruachan IV has a history of mischievous behavior, including a notable incident with the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2017. The pony had attempted to nibble flowers she was holding, prompting the Queen to tell it to "go away." Prince Harry also had a similar experience in 2018 when the mascot tried to nibble his fingers during a visit to Edinburgh Castle.