In a further indication that Camilla Parker Bowles has been accepted as a permanent part of the Royal Family, Princes Wills and Harry are to join their father Prince Charles and his companion for a holiday in Scotland.

The four have gone on vacation together once before, back in 1999. But on that occasion the boys were both in their teens and the decision was made by Charles. This time around both William and Harry are adults, so it was down to them whether they wanted to join their father and his companion at Balmoral. "It speaks reams about how well they are all getting on," said one royal aide.

Charles and Camilla are already in Scotland, where they have been enjoying the thrills and spills of the Highland Games. The Prince, who wore a kilt and Black Watch jacket, even helped out by acting as judge for the tug-of-war. The pair also watched some impressive displays of Highland dancing and the traditional sport of tossing the caber.

The future king and his companion have been staying at the Castle of Mey, but are expected to move on to the Queen's Balmoral Estate when the Princes come to join them.