The Queen is a regular at the Braemar Gathering

The Queen, who is patron of the Highland games, attended with the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales.

There was no sign of Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was at the games last year with his wife Cherie.

The Royal Family have regularly attended the Braemar games since Queen Victoria first attended in 1848.

The Queen was wearing an emerald green jacket and skirt with a matching hat with green feathers and dark trim, while the Duke and the Prince were wearing kilts.

The crowds were entertained by pipes and drums

Her Majesty was presented with a heather posy by 13-year-old Lettie Blackett of Braemar before watching a parade by special guests the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas as well as dancing, piping and tossing the caber.

The family travelled to the games on Royal Deeside from nearby Balmoral Castle, where they are staying for their summer vacation.

In the arena, Blue Peter presenters Liz Barker, Matt Baker and Simon Thomson were also getting into the Scottish spirit as they took part in some of the competitions.

The Blue Peter crew were filming for their new series, which starts on Monday.

Simon and Matt took part in the sack race and had a shot at tossing the caber.

Blue Peter presenter Matt Baker (left) takes part in the tug of war

"We went to the Highland games in Oban four years ago and enjoyed it so much we said we had to come back to Scotland for another one," said Baker.

"It's beautiful up here."