King Charles makes sad reference to Queen Elizabeth II's death during engagement in Scotland

The James Jones and Sons Limited sawmill at Aboyne has bought timber from Balmoral for over 34 years, and today was the second time the King visited the site.

The sawmill went through a rebuild in 1991, and King Charles visited in 1999 as the Prince of Wales.

The King, 74, remarked how he thought he may not “be around” for a further visit in around 24 years time.

Charles would be 98 years old in 24 years' time, two years older than his mother was when she died.

The Scottish sawmill exports to Australia and New Zealand, as well as serving locals, after opening in 1962.

The King branded its workers "marvellous", and even asked about the price of timber which is bought from Balmoral.

Tom Bruce-Jones, the chairman of James Jones and Sons Limited, joked to the King that it is “too expensive”.

For the first time since becoming monarch, King Charles wore a hard hat and a hi-vis jacket today.

The King said in a speech: “Well done everybody thank you very much for all the efforts you made.

“Thank you for dealing with some of the Balmoral timber.”

“Whether I will be able to come back in another 24 years, I don’t know if I will be around.

“I hadn’t realised what an area you cover around the world, it depends on all the marvellous people who put so much into it.”

One apprentice, Kieron Cassie, who works at the sawmill, told The Independent: “I think a fair few folk have been feeling excited.

“He asked me a couple of questions. The plaque was made here.”