King Charles III has officially begun Royal Week in Scotland with the ancient Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The King was greeted by a Royal Salute and Guard of Honour from the Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, as he arrived in the Scottish capital under a slight drizzle.
Traditional Fanfare and Musical Tributes
The ceremony featured music from The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Pipes and Drums of 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland. They performed renditions including The Proclaimers’ ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ and the Tartan Army’s football chant ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ by Baccara.
Also on parade were The King’s Bodyguard for Scotland, The Royal Company of Archers, a Palace Guard from F Company, Scots Guards, and the High Constables of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Key Exchange Ceremony
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge presented the keys to the King, who then returned them for “safe keeping.” The Lord Provost said: “We, the Lord Provost and the 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.”
The King replied: “I return these keys, being perfectly convinced that they cannot be placed in better hands than those of the Lord Provost and Councillors of my good City of Edinburgh.”
Community Involvement
Around 200 people, invited as a thank you for their community work, watched the ceremony from the palace garden. Royal Week is dedicated to celebrating Scottish culture and traditions, with a busy schedule of events ahead.
