King Charles unveiled a bronze statue of a reclining lion in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens on Thursday to mark the 20th anniversary of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The monument, which guards the regiment's cap badge, honours the "service, sacrifice and enduring pride" of its soldiers.
Ceremony and Parade
Before the unveiling, officers and soldiers exercised the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh. In full ceremonial dress, they paraded from the Palace of Holyroodhouse past the City Chambers, where the Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh took the salute. The King, as Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment, addressed serving servicemen, their families, and veterans at the ceremony.
King's Remarks
The King said: "Your battalions have consistently ranked among the most operationally deployed in the British Army, demonstrating professionalism, adaptability, and courage in every theatre." He added: "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."
Charles also recalled the regiment's ceremonial duties, including their role at his coronation three years ago and following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, their former colonel-in-chief. He said: "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."
Regiment History
The Royal Regiment of Scotland is the senior line infantry regiment of the British Army, formed on March 28, 2006, by amalgamating six existing 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. The bronze lion statue now stands as a permanent tribute to the regiment's heritage and fallen soldiers.
