King Charles Presented The ‘Elizabeth Sword’ and Keys to Edinburgh
King Charles has taken part in the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. His Majesty received the Keys to the City of Edinburgh and was presented a new ceremonial sword, the ‘Elizabeth Sword’. The blade, named after the late Queen will replace the existing sword, which is too delicate to use, and will be stored in the Honours of Scotland.
It began at about 13:15 when a “people’s procession” left Edinburgh Castle for St Giles’ Cathedral. About 100 people from all aspects of Scottish life took part in the cavalcade along the Royal Mile, arriving at the historic kirk at about 13:30.
They were escorted by The Royal Regiment of Scotland, their mascot Shetland pony Corporal Cruachan IV, and a cadet military band. At 13:40 a priceless crown, sword and sceptre, known as the Honours of Scotland, travelled in a Rolls Royce from Edinburgh Castle to the kirk.
They were escorted by The King’s Body Guard for Scotland (the Royal Company of Archers) and a guard of honour formed by contingents of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. At the same time members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment processed along the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’.
The musical accompaniment was provided by the Royal Marine Band (Scotland) and the Pipes, Drums and Bugles of the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The separate royal procession along the Royal Mile saw the King and Queen Camilla leave Holyroodhouse – their official Scottish residence – at 14:05. They were joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, who are known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland.
During a national service of thanksgiving, which began at 14:15, the King received the Honours of Scotland. The hour-long service mixed Scottish royal tradition with new music written especially for the occasion.
Nicola Benedetti and The Honours of Scotland Ensemble performed Peter Maxwell Davies’ Farewell to Stromness. And Joy Dunlop, a BBC Weather presenter and Gaelic singer, sang Gaelic psalm And I Shall Dwell in God’s House, which was composed by Paul Mealor for the service. The moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton preached the sermon.
The King was presented with the crown by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon – Credit Routers
The crown, sceptre and sword – the Honours of Scotland – were presented to the King by dignitaries including former Olympic rower Dame Katherine Grainger.
