Cutting ribbons is bread-and-butter for any member of the Royal Family.

But the King did it in unique style on Saturday when he wielded a mammoth pair of gardening shears to open the Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen's 200th Flower Show.

And it certainly put the dainty pair of scissors the Queen used for her official duties at York racecourse last weekend to shame.

The King took a break from his holiday at Balmoral to officially open the event before Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria jetted in to Aberdeen airport to spend the weekend with the royal couple.

Monarchs have traditionally invited Prime Ministers and their spouses to the Deeside estate to get to know them in a more relaxed setting.

During the late Queen Elizabeth's reign, Premiers would stay for several nights and enjoy – or endure – a busy schedule of barbecues and blood sports.

However, it is understood that Sir Keir will experience a tighter itinerary of walks on the 53-acre estate, as well as a private audience with the King and a formal dinner, before leaving today. 

Sir Keir was also due to attend church with the King this morning.

If the dinner menu follows that for Rishi Sunak's visit last year, the Starmers will be served cheese souffle followed by turbot.

While at the Aberdeen show, the King met eight-year-old Oliver Keith, who was wearing a cardboard crown, and examined the flowers and giant vegetables that had been entered into competition. 

After being amused by 6ft leeks, he said: 'It's amazing what you can achieve.'