King Charles has arrived in Scotland for a week-long visit, shortly after the announcement that the Royal Train will be discontinued as a cost-cutting measure.
The monarch attended the traditional Ceremony of the Keys in the Gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, marking his presence in the Scottish capital.
The timing of the royal visit follows last night's revelation about the Royal Train's future, signalling a shift in how the monarchy manages its travel arrangements and expenses.
The ceremony represents one of Scotland's historic royal traditions, where the sovereign symbolically receives the keys to Edinburgh before returning them for safekeeping.
King Charles arrives in Scotland after announcing Royal Train will be scrapped.
Getty
During the ceremony, His Majesty met with Service Chiefs before receiving a Royal Salute from the assembled forces.
Charles then inspected the King's Bodyguard Scotland, also known as the Royal Company of Archers, who formed the Guard of Honour for the occasion.
The Lord Provost formally presented the Keys to the City of Edinburgh to the King, who followed tradition by returning them for safekeeping.
Musical accompaniment was provided by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, alongside the Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, adding ceremonial grandeur to the proceedings.
King Charles is in Scotland for Royal Week.
Getty
The ceremony featured multiple military units on parade, including Balaklava Company from the 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, who serve as the Palace Guard.
The High Constables of the Palace of Holyroodhouse also participated in the formal proceedings.
Balaklava Company, which became an independent rifle company in June 2013, brings operational experience from deployments to Afghanistan in 2015 and 2021.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland, formed in March 2006, serves as the British Army's senior line infantry regiment and currently comprises three Regular battalions, an Incremental Company, and two Reserve battalions.
King Charles is in the Palace of Holyroodhouse for the event.
Getty
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
King Charles is celebrating the Ceremony of the Keys.
PA
The Royal Company of Archers has served as the Sovereign's ceremonial Bodyguard for Scotland since 1822, when the role was first established during King George IV's visit to Scotland.
The company performs duties at various State and ceremonial occasions throughout Scotland, including forming avenues at the annual Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where approximately 120 members assist Royal Family members in meeting guests.
They also maintain a presence outside St Giles' Cathedral during the Service of Installation of Knights of the Thistle and attend Investitures at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Additional duties include attending the presentation of new Colours for Scottish Regiments.
Most Read
