Royal Patron announced

We are proud to announce that His Royal Highness Prince Charles is to be Patron of The Gathering 2009.  

The Prince, whose Scottish titles include Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland is likely to oversee the weekend’s events at Holyrood Park and the Clan Pageant on the castle esplanade.

Let us not forget that the renaissance of Highland games and clan gatherings can largely be attributed to Queen Victoria's patronage and her love of the Highlands with all its traditions.

However, as the Duke of Rothesay and the Lord of the Isles, Prince Charles represents a far older connection between the monarchy and the clans of Scotland.

Photograph courtesy of Tim Graham (a Royal photographer).