Andy Burnham joins King and Queen at church service in Scotland

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his wife have joined the King and Queen at a church service in Scotland.

Mr Burnham and Marie-France van Heel attended Crathie Kirk, a small, granite church on Royal Deeside, regularly visited by members of the royal family when they are staying at nearby Balmoral.

The late Queen was a regular and devout worshipper at the church, where former prime ministers Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer also attended services with the royals.

Gillian Garner, from Cheshire, who attended the service with her family, described the event as “moving” and “wonderful”.

She told the Press Association: “It was truly amazing to stand in the church with the King and the Queen, the Prime Minister and his wife. It was a moving, wonderful service.”

Michael Garner said the family did not expect to see Mr Burnham at the event, who met with the royals yesterday at nearby Balmoral.

The family had previously attended the church service during Queen Elizabeth’s reign after a local police officer told them that members of the public could attend the service.

“There are no words to describe it,” Ms Garner told PA. “It was very moving.”

The family said the service focused on the importance of kindness and helping the most vulnerable.

They said Mr Burnham was thanked for attending the event.

The Chandler family, from Carlisle, said it was exciting to see the royals in the Scottish Highlands after attending the Braemar Gathering.

“It’s always nice to see the royals,” they said. “It’s quite special.”

On Saturday, Charles and Camilla attended the annual Braemar Gathering in the Highlands.

The King and Queen were greeted by thousands of spectators at the famous Highland Games event.

The sun broke out from the clouds and the rural area came alive as crowds flocked to the location in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, renowned for its association with the royal family.

The monarchs left the Games at around 4pm before meeting the King at Balmoral.