King Charles and Queen Camilla will commence Royal Week in Scotland on Tuesday with the traditional Ceremony of the Keys in the Gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, will present the keys to the city to the King, who will then return them for safekeeping, symbolising the monarch's trust in the city's governance.
Investiture and Garden Party
Following the ceremony, the King will host an investiture at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Among those receiving honours are forensic scientist Lorna Dawson, who is awarded a damehood in the New Year Honours, and New Seekers singer Eve Graham, who becomes an MBE for services to the music industry. Simon Milne, regius keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, receives a knighthood for services to botany, conservation, and horticulture.
Later on Tuesday, the King and Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal, will host a garden party at the Palace.
Thistle Service at St Giles Cathedral
On Wednesday, the King and Queen, along with the Duke of Rothesay and the Duke of Edinburgh, will attend the Thistle Service at St Giles Cathedral. The Order of the Thistle is Scotland's highest order of chivalry, recognising 16 knights as well as Scottish individuals who have held public office or contributed significantly to national life.
Engagements in Jedburgh
On Thursday, the King will undertake engagements in Jedburgh, coinciding with the Jethart Callant Festival. He will view a procession of horses riding past the town square and may participate in a traditional game of "hand ba'", a historic street sport played annually in Jedburgh since 1704.
Gold Award Celebration
On Friday, the Duke of Edinburgh will host a Gold Award celebration in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The monarch traditionally spends a week based at the Palace of Holyroodhouse each year in what is known as Holyrood Week or Royal Week in Scotland.
