His Majesty The King was formally welcomed to the capital of Scotland this week during the annual Ceremony of the Keys, held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The traditional event marks the symbolic handover of the City of Edinburgh to the Sovereign at the start of Royal Week.
During the ceremony, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh presented the keys of the city to His Majesty, who symbolically returned them in trust, signifying his recognition of the Lord Provost as Edinburgh’s civic head.
The historic occasion was marked by a large ceremonial presence. The King’s Body Guard in Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers, formed a guard of honour, accompanied by a lining party from Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (5 SCOTS). In the days leading up to the event, soldiers from 5 SCOTS also mounted ceremonial guard duties at both the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle.
Senior representatives from across the Armed Forces attended the ceremony, including the Governor of Edinburgh, Major General Bob Bruce CBE DSO, Air Commodore Mark Northover, and Commodore Paul Dunn OBE. The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland provided musical support during the ceremony, contributing to the pageantry and tradition of the day.
A 21-gun salute was fired from Edinburgh Castle by 32 Regiment Royal Artillery to mark the occasion. Visitors at the castle were also treated to performances by the Royal Marine Band Scotland and the Pipes, Drums and Bugles of 2 SCOTS, further enriching the ceremonial atmosphere.
The Ceremony of the Keys is one of several State Ceremonial and Public Duties supported by the British Army in Scotland, showcasing the enduring partnership between the Armed Forces and the Crown. It remains a key fixture in Scotland’s royal and civic calendar, reflecting centuries of tradition and the close ties between the Sovereign and the City of Edinburgh.
Photos: MOD Crown Copyright News / Editorial Licence.
