King Charles celebrated the 20th anniversary of The Royal Regiment of Scotland by unveiling a bronze statue of a reclining lion in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens. The lion guards the regiment's cap badge and symbolises the "service, sacrifice and enduring pride" of its soldiers, according to the King.
Ceremony and Parade
Before the unveiling, officers and soldiers exercised the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh, parading in full ceremonial dress from the Palace of Holyroodhouse past the City Chambers. The Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh took the salute. Serving servicemen, their families, and veterans attended the ceremony.
King's Speech
The King, who serves as the regiment's Colonel-in-Chief, said: "Your battalions have consistently ranked among the most operationally deployed in the British Army, demonstrating professionalism, adaptability, and courage in every theatre. It is right that we remember today that these high standards come at a cost. We remember therefore with solemn pride the 23 officers and soldiers who have been killed in action since 2006, their sacrifice is the foundation upon which your reputation stands, and their memory endures in the regiment's spirit and purpose."
Regiment History
The Royal Regiment of Scotland, the senior line infantry regiment of the British Army, was formed on March 28, 2006, by amalgamating six Scottish infantry units: The Royal Scots, the King's Own Scottish Borderers, the Royal Highland Fusiliers, The Black Watch, The Highlanders, and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Statue Details
The bronze statue was designed by Edinburgh artist Kenny Hunter, who won a competition for the commission. Hunter described the lion as not yet mature, symbolising a young soldier ready for action. He said: "It's reclining and in a relaxed pose, but you get the sense it's see something on the horizon that has piqued its interest. Everybody wants peace, but when things go awry you want people to be ready."
King's Tribute
Charles added: "The distinction and reputation of the regiment is reinforced still further by the ceremonial duties you conduct, perhaps most notably three years ago now for our coronation, but also so movingly, following the death of the late Queen, your former colonel-in-chief. So in unveiling this statue, we reaffirm the trust placed in this regiment to uphold its gallant heritage to serve with distinction, and to honour those who have gone before. May this monument stand a generation as a symbol of service, sacrifice, and enduring pride."
