King Charles III Arrives in Edinburgh for Royal Week
King Charles III has arrived in Edinburgh to commence Royal Week, an annual celebration dedicated to Scottish culture, community, and achievements.
The King's initial engagement was the traditional Ceremony of the Keys held in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, his official residence in the Scottish capital.
This ceremony took place shortly after his arrival by helicopter, where he was welcomed by a guard of honour from Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The monarch customarily spends a week in Edinburgh each July, an event known as Holyrood or Royal Week.
Upon arrival, the King inspected the guard of honour and was presented with the keys to the city by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, who held them on a red cushion. The monarch symbolically touched the keys and returned them for safekeeping.
"We, the Lord Provost and members of the City of Edinburgh Council, welcome Your Majesty to the capital city of your ancient and hereditary kingdom of Scotland, and offer for your gracious acceptance the keys of Your Majesty's good city of Edinburgh."
In response, the King gave the traditional reply:
"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."
Ceremony and Military Honors
Before the Ceremony of the Keys, the palace gardens were transformed into a parade ground. The King met senior military and uniformed figures and received a royal salute.
He inspected a guard of honour composed of soldiers from the Royal Company of Archers, who serve as the King's ceremonial bodyguard in Scotland.
Musical accompaniment was provided by the band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Opening of the Scottish Parliament and Upcoming Events
On Saturday, King Charles III will open the new session of the Scottish Parliament, marking the seventh session since its establishment in 1999.
The event will begin with the Crown of Scotland being escorted down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle, followed by a fanfare performed by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland brass ensemble in the debating chamber.
Later, the King will host an investiture ceremony and garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, located at the foot of the Royal Mile. Queen Camilla, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Princess Royal will also attend.
Honours will be presented to several individuals, including forensic scientist Lorna Dawson, who was awarded a damehood in the New Year Honours, and New Seekers singer Eve Graham, who will receive an MBE for services to the music industry.
Simon Milne, regius keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, will be knighted for his contributions to botany, conservation, and horticulture.
