The King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland – the country’s crown jewels – when a service of thanksgiving and dedication, dubbed a second coronation, will be held in his honour later today.
Charles and Camilla will be commemorated at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh during the event attended by leading figures from Scottish life and members of a people’s procession who will walk through the Scottish capital from around 1.15pm this afternoon.
The procession – featuring around 100 people from all aspects of Scottish life – will make its way along the Royal Mile, arriving at the historic kirk at about 1:30pm.
The Honours of Scotland – a crown, sword and sceptre – will be escorted from Edinburgh Castle to the kirk by The King’s Body Guard for Scotland at 1.40pm. A guard of honour formed by contingents of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force will also accompany the Scottish crown jewels.
The King and Queen Camilla leave Holyroodhouse for the kirk, in a separate royal procession, at 2.05pm. They are expected to be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales, who are known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland.
Then, During a national service of thanksgiving due to start at 2:15pm, the King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland. The hour-long service will mix Scottish royal tradition with new music written especially for the occasion.
Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf will give a reading during the service, while others attending from the world of politics include Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton.
The Red Arrows will provide the finale to the day, staging a flypast after the service over the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Alister Jack, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: “The service in St Giles’ will be an uplifting and fitting celebration of our new King and Queen, and will reflect the great affection we Scots have for them.
“I know that thousands of Scots will line the streets of Edinburgh to pay tribute to the King and welcome the royal family, once again, to Scotland.”
