Royal Week commences in Scotland as King Charles receives the keys to the city of Edinburgh in a historic ceremony. The King participated in the traditional Ceremony of the Keys held in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, marking the beginning of Royal Week dedicated to honoring Scottish culture and traditions.
Upon arrival for the official welcome to the Scottish capital, King Charles was greeted by light rain and 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 included renditions of popular songs like “I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)” by The Proclaimers and the Tartan Army’s chant “Yes Sir, I can Boogie” by Baccara.
During the ceremony, Charles interacted with senior military officials, receiving a royal salute, and was presented with the keys to the city by Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, who held them on a red cushion. In response, Charles expressed his gratitude, 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 were invited to witness the ceremony from the palace garden as a gesture of appreciation for their contributions. As part of Holyrood Week, also known as Royal Week, King Charles traditionally spends a week at the Palace of Holyroodhouse each year in Scotland.
