The Business Press – July 03, 2023 at 09:20PM
On Wednesday, July 5, Scotland will bear witness to a momentous occasion as King Charles III is welcomed with great fanfare and celebration during the annual Holyrood Week. This marks the first time that Scotland will commemorate a coronation with its own majestic festivities since King Charles was formally crowned at Westminster Abbey in May, following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, last September.
The royal festivities will see King Charles and Queen Camilla participating in various ceremonial events, accompanied by Prince William and Kate, who hold the Scottish titles of the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
First Minister Humza Yousaf expressed Scotland’s anticipation, stating, “Scotland will welcome the new King and Queen in July with a series of events to mark the Coronation. A People’s Procession, a Royal Procession, a National Service of Thanksgiving, and a Gun Salute will take place in Edinburgh.”
Rooted in a rich historical tradition, these events acknowledge Charles as not only the King of England but also the King of Great Britain, following the Union of the Crowns in 1603. This tradition dates back to 1625 when King Charles I, after his English Coronation at Westminster Abbey, responded to the Scottish Parliament’s request for a coronation in his Northern Kingdom. The coronation took place in 1633 at Holyrood, and after King George IV’s 1822 coronation, it was Queen Elizabeth II who revived this illustrious tradition in 1953.
The magnificent day commences at 1:15 pm, with the Royal Procession commencing from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, making its way to the St. Giles’ Cathedral. At 2:05 pm, the King and Queen will lead the procession, followed by the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay. Accompanied by the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the procession will be accompanied by the spectacular performances of the Royal Marine Band of Scotland and the Pipes, Drums, and Bugles of the 2nd Battalion.
A National Service of Thanksgiving will then commence at 2:15 pm within the grand Cathedral. During this service, the Honours of Scotland, including a second crown, will be presented to the new King. The service is expected to conclude at approximately 3:15 pm with a resounding 21-gun salute from the 12 Regiment Royal Artillery. Following the salute, the royal procession will gracefully return to Holyroodhouse around 3:30 pm.
Adding an awe-inspiring touch to the ceremony, the renowned Red Arrows, Britain’s Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, will grace the Edinburgh sky with a breathtaking display. Spectators will line up along the Royal Mile, eagerly awaiting the procession’s return.
The Honours of Scotland, the most cherished pieces of Scottish royal regalia which consist of a crown, scepter, and sword crafted from gold, silver, and precious gems, will be at the heart of the ceremony. Safely stored at Edinburgh Castle, these regalia will be carefully escorted to the royal procession by military and police personnel.
A testament to their historical significance, the Honours of Scotland date back to the early 16th century, making them the oldest crown jewels in Britain. The Crown of Scotland first adorned King James V during the coronation of Queen Mary of Guise in 1543. These precious symbols were preserved within a chest following the union of the English and Scottish Parliaments under the Act of Union of 1707 and were rediscovered by the famed writer Walter Scott in 1818.
During the coronation ceremony, the highly revered Stone of Scone, also known as the Stone of Destiny, will be present. This ancient stone served as a throne for Scottish kings during their coronation ceremonies for centuries. The Stone of Scone made its journey from Scotland to London for King Charles’ coronation in May and will have a significant role in the Scottish coronation.
A notable addition to the regalia will be The Elizabeth, a newly commissioned Sword of State that will be presented to King Charles. This symbolic sword replaces the delicate original Sword of State, also known as the Papal sword, which is believed to have been gifted by Pope Alexander VI to King James IV in 1494. Due to its fragile condition, the original sword cannot be used in public events.
“The Honours of Scotland hold immense historical significance, having been present at numerous ceremonial events throughout the past five hundred years,” highlighted First Minister Humza Yousaf. “Crafted with precision and care by Scotland’s finest artisans, The Elizabeth Sword pays tribute to the late Queen and serves as a fitting symbol as Scotland prepares to welcome the new King and Queen next week.”
Significant moments of reflection have accompanied the Honours of Scotland, such as placing the Scottish Crown on Queen Elizabeth’s coffin during a service at St Giles’ Cathedral before her funeral last September.
While Scotland eagerly awaits the coronation, opposition does exist. Republic, the anti-monarchy campaign group, will stage a protest along the planned procession route, expressing their discontent with what they view as another superfluous parade which squanders public funds. Our Republic, another campaign group advocating for an elected head of state, also plans to hold a demonstration during the event.
In preparation for these peaceful protests, Scottish authorities have launched security operations to ensure the procession proceeds uninterrupted. During King Charles’ coronation in May, British police arrested six individuals under the Public Order Act, a law restricting protests that came into force a few days before the ceremony. The police’s handling of the arrests was subsequently criticized for their heavy-handed approach, and the detainees will not face criminal prosecution.
As the grand day approaches, Scotland eagerly awaits the Scottish coronation—a celebration of tradition, unity, and a mark of respect for their new King. The enchanting city of Edinburgh will be alive with the solemnity and grandeur of this historic event, invigorating Scottish culture and allowing the nation to unite in a tribute to their heritage.
The Business Press 