His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla began Holyrood Week with a full day of official engagements in Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy
On Monday, 1 July 2025, His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla began Holyrood Week with a full day of official engagements in Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy. Their visit celebrated Scotland’s heritage, honoured civic service, and reflected their continued commitment to community and remembrance.
The day began in Edinburgh, where King Charles was welcomed with full ceremonial splendour at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Following tradition, the King took part in the Ceremony of the Keys, where the Lord Provost of Edinburgh formally presented him with the keys to the city. Accompanied by a Guard of Honour drawn from the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Royal Company of Archers, the event included a Royal Salute and military pageantry in the palace gardens. The King symbolically returned the keys, acknowledging the trust and stewardship of the city’s officials.
Later that morning, the King presided over an investiture ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where he recognised several distinguished individuals from across Scotland. Among the honourees was renowned author and academic Sir Alexander McCall Smith, who was knighted for his outstanding contributions to literature, academia, and charity.
Queen Camilla brought warmth and enthusiasm to Ratho Library in Newbridge, where she officially reopened the newly refurbished facility and launched “Paper Trails,” an imaginative community literacy initiative developed in partnership with Edinburgh City Libraries and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. The project aims to inspire a love of reading and storytelling, with mobile libraries and creative workshops reaching families and schools across the region. The Queen spoke passionately about the essential role libraries play in nurturing learning and imagination, especially at a time when so many face closure across the UK. Locals gathered in joyful crowds to greet Her Majesty, expressing heartfelt excitement and pride at her visit—many delighted to exchange kind words and share their appreciation for her dedication to literacy and community life.
During the her visit to Ratho Library in Newbridge, Edinburgh, Queen Camilla engaged with several notable figures from Scotland’s literary community. Among them were crime authors Sir Ian Rankin, known for his Inspector Rebus series, and Val McDermid, celebrated for her contributions to crime fiction. The Queen also met Sir Alexander McCall Smith, renowned for creating The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, who had recently been knighted for his services to literature. Additionally, Queen Camilla conversed with bestselling author Gillian Flynn, acclaimed for her novel Gone Girl, and Paula Hawkins, author of The Girl on the Train. Scottish Makar Padraig MacAoidh, the national poet of Scotland, was also present, engaging in discussions about the importance of poetry and storytelling. The event underscored the Queen’s commitment to promoting literacy and supporting the literary arts in Scotland.
Queen Camilla’s heartfelt engagement with librarians, writers, and key figures from Edinburgh’s annual Literary Festival beautifully highlighted her deep commitment to the power of storytelling and literacy. Her warm conversations and genuine interest inspired those she met, reinforcing the vital role that literature and libraries play in enriching communities and connecting people across generations. By championing these cultural pillars, Queen Camilla not only celebrated Scotland’s rich literary heritage but also encouraged a future where creativity, learning, and imagination continue to flourish for all.
In the afternoon, Their Majesties travelled to Kirkcaldy in Fife to mark a particularly poignant occasion: the centenary of the town’s War Memorial, Art Gallery and Museum. In the War Memorial Gardens, the King and Queen were warmly welcomed by local residents, schoolchildren, and veterans’ groups. Together they unveiled a specially constructed stone cairn commemorating 100 years of remembrance, and laid a wreath in honour of those who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars.
On this deeply meaningful day in Kirkcaldy, His Majesty King Charles III was joined by his sister, HRH The Princess Royal, underscoring the Royal Family’s enduring commitment to honouring service and sacrifice across Scotland. With her characteristic grace and sense of duty, Princess Anne stood alongside the King as they unveiled a centenary cairn at the town’s War Memorial Gardens, paying tribute to generations lost to war. Her presence brought a powerful sense of continuity and respect, reinforcing the solemnity of the occasion while warmly engaging with veterans, local families, and community groups. Together, Their Majesties and Princess Anne offered a moving symbol of remembrance, unity, and unwavering royal support for the people of Kirkcaldy.
A newly buried time capsule, filled with stories, artefacts, and photographs provided by the community, was placed beneath the cairn to connect future generations to the spirit of remembrance. As part of the event, a solemn reading began of the 1,500 names inscribed on the memorial, starting with those lost in the First World War. Further readings will continue throughout the week. Thousands of handmade poppies, crafted by local residents, adorned the grounds and staircases of the gallery, creating a powerful visual tribute to the fallen and reflecting the collective memory and pride of Kirkcaldy.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted the traditional Sovereign’s Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, marking a highlight of Holyrood Week. Joined by Princess Anne, the royal trio welcomed approximately 8,000 guests from various sectors of Scottish society, including the NHS, military, and charity organisations, to a relaxed afternoon of celebration and community. The event featured music from regimental bands and the Royal Scottish Pipers Society, creating a festive atmosphere. Despite overcast skies and occasional rain, the guests were undeterred, expressing their delight in meeting the Queen and engaging with the royal family.
Duncan Scott, who earned his eighth Olympic medal at last year’s Paris Games, described being awarded an OBE for his contributions to swimming as a truly meaningful experience. The 28-year-old recently spoke before parliament, urging MSPs to acknowledge the importance of swimming pools and to offer financial support to help keep them operational. He also serves as an ambassador for Scottish Swimming’s Learn to Swim initiative. Reflecting on his achievements, Scott said, “Sport isn’t about the recognition; it’s about striving to reach goals, whether on your own or with a team. Still, it’s incredibly humbling and gratifying to have your dedication acknowledged.”
Paralympic champion Stephen Clegg, who secured two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, called receiving an MBE a “great honour.” Competing in the S12 category due to his visual impairment, he emphasized that the award shines a light not only on sport in general but also on opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Reflecting on his childhood, Clegg shared that he faced numerous barriers and low expectations from others, but swimming gave him the chance to overcome those challenges and defy the limitations imposed on him.
The visit and engagements of King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Princess Royal have brought a profound and uplifting energy to the communities of Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy. Their genuine warmth, respect, and dedication to honouring history, supporting literacy, and celebrating local achievements have inspired countless individuals. By connecting personally with people from all walks of life—whether through commemorations, literary events, or community celebrations—they have strengthened the bonds of unity and pride within these communities. Their presence not only highlights the rich cultural heritage of Scotland but also encourages hope, resilience, and a shared commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
