King Charles III’s Scottish Week began on 3 July. As is tradition, upon his arrival at Holyrood Palace, the monarch was received with military honours and presented with the keys to Edinburgh.
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Scottish Week cut short but key ceremony respected
Every year, the British monarch devotes a week in the summer to his Scottish affairs. During this period, he resides at Holyrood Palace, the sovereign’s official residence in Scotland, the Scottish equivalent of Buckingham Palace. Due to the snap general election on 4 July, the King’s “week” will be greatly shortened, as he is called away by other duties in London.
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King Charles III, 75, and Queen Camilla, 76, arrived by helicopter at the palace. The sovereign was then given a traditional welcome. A guard of honour was formed by the 5th Battalion, Balaklava Company of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
King Charles reviewed the troops, while the Royal Company of Archers stood nearby. The company, founded by George VI in 1822, serves as the bodyguard of the monarchs when they are in Scotland. The Royal Regiment of Scotland’s Music Detachment and the Pipers and Drummers of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland took part in the parade.
King Charles was then presented with the keys of Edinburgh, laid on a cushion, by the Lord Provost of the city. Lord Provost Robert Aldridge delivered the customary words that have followed the same ritual for centuries: “We, the Lord Provost and members of the City Council of Edinburgh, welcome your Majesty to the capital of your ancient and hereditary Kingdom of Scotland, and offer for your gracious acceptance the keys of your Majesty’s good city of Edinburgh.” The king then places his hand on the keys without taking them and replies: “I return these keys, being fully satisfied that they can be placed in no better hands than those of the Lord Provost and Councillors of my good city of Edinburgh.”
