Royal Week commenced in Scotland as King Charles was bestowed with the keys to the city of Edinburgh in a historic ceremony. The King participated in the traditional Ceremony of the Keys held in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, marking the beginning of Royal Week dedicated to honoring Scottish culture and traditions.
Upon his arrival for the formal welcome to the Scottish capital, King Charles was greeted by a light rain shower and received a Royal Salute and Guard of Honour by Balaklava Company 5th Battalion Royal Regiment. The event featured musical performances by The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Pipes and Drums of 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, playing popular tunes including renditions of The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)” and Tartan Army’s chant “Yes Sir, I can Boogie” by Baccara.
Engaging with senior military officials, Charles received a royal salute during the ceremony, with Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge presenting the keys to the King on a red cushion. Expressing warm greetings, Mr. Aldridge welcomed King Charles to the capital city of Scotland and offered the keys of Edinburgh to His Majesty.
In a traditional response, King Charles stated, “I return these keys perfectly convinced that they cannot be placed in better hands than those of the Lord Provost and councillors of my good city of Edinburgh.” Approximately 200 individuals were invited as a gesture of appreciation for their community contributions, witnessing the ceremony from the palace garden.
As part of Holyrood Week, also known as Royal Week in Scotland, King Charles traditionally spends a week at the Palace of Holyroodhouse each year.