Royal Week Edinburgh began on Monday as King Charles III arrived in the Scottish capital for a packed week of royal duties and public events. The annual tradition highlights Scotland’s culture, community, and achievements.
The King touched down by helicopter before heading straight to the gardens of Palace of Holyroodhouse for the historic Ceremony of the Keys. The palace serves as his official residence in Scotland.
Soon after arriving, the monarch inspected a guard of honour from Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Meanwhile, the palace gardens turned into a formal parade ground for the occasion. During the ceremony, Robert Aldridge presented the symbolic keys to the city on a red cushion. As tradition demands, the King touched the keys before returning them to city officials for safekeeping.
In his formal welcome, Aldridge greeted the monarch on behalf of the city and council. In response, King Charles repeated the long-standing royal tradition of placing trust in the hands of Edinburgh’s leaders. Royal Week Edinburgh remains one of the most important dates in the Scottish royal calendar. Every year, the monarch spends several days in the capital attending official engagements and meeting community leaders.
Before the ceremony, the King also met senior military figures and received a royal salute. In addition, the Royal Company of Archers, his ceremonial bodyguard in Scotland, joined the event. Music from the band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Pipes and Drums of its 2nd Battalion added to the formal welcome.
The royal visit follows the King’s appearance at the opening of the seventh session of the Scottish Parliament on Saturday. That event marked another important moment in Scotland’s political calendar. Later this week, King Charles will host an investiture ceremony and a garden party alongside Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and Prince Edward.
Several notable figures will receive honours during the visit, including scientist Lorna Dawson and singer Eve Graham. As Royal Week Edinburgh continues, the King will take part in more ceremonies aimed at celebrating Scotland’s people and traditions.
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