Royal Week commences in Scotland today as King Charles is presented with the keys to the city of Edinburgh during a significant ceremony. Participating in the traditional Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse gardens, the King inaugurates Royal Week, a dedicated celebration of Scottish culture and traditions.
Upon his arrival in the Scottish capital, King Charles is greeted with a light rain shower and receives a Royal Salute and Guard of Honour by Balaklava Company 5th Battalion Royal Regiment. Musical performances by The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Pipes and Drums of 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland feature renditions of popular songs like The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)” and Tartan Army’s “Yes Sir, I can Boogie” by Baccara.
Engaging with senior military officials, King Charles acknowledges a royal salute during the ceremony. Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge presents the keys to the King, holding them on a red cushion, while expressing a warm welcome to the monarch on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council.
In response, King Charles reciprocates by acknowledging the gesture, stating, “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.”
Approximately 200 individuals from the local community are invited to witness the ceremony from the palace garden as a token of appreciation for their contributions. Traditionally, King Charles spends a week each year at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for what is known as Holyrood Week, or Royal Week, in Scotland.