Just over two months after the Coronation weekend of King Charles III, the monarch travelled up to Edinburgh for a ceremony held at St Giles’ Cathedral, which enabled Scotland to mark his ascension to the throne.

In a historic service, the King received a crown, sceptre and sword of the state, which form part of what is known as the Honours of Scotland, which are actually the oldest crown jewels in Britain and made up of gold, silver and precious gems. The sword was a new piece and named after the late Queen Elizabeth II, because the 16th century original is now too fragile to handle. 

In excess of 700 members of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force were part of the “People’s Procession” which marched down the Royal Mile and included more than 100 individuals from various aspects of Scottish life.

After the conclusion of the ceremony the King, accompanied by Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales, heard a 21-gun salute being fired from Edinburgh Castle as they returned to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where they were treated to a flypast by the famous Red Arrows.

The Honours of Scotland

Back in May the Coronation was enjoyed by millions and celebrated across the whole of the UK, but this occasion was just for the Scots. The items that make up the Honours of Scotland are of immense significance and include the Crown of Scotland, which sat on top of the coffin of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as she lay at rest at the Cathedral, following her sad passing.

Stone of Destiny doubles up

The crown jewels were presented to His Majesty by dignitaries and included in the ceremony was the Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy, used for centuries in the inauguration of its kings, and which played a significant part in the Coronation at Westminster Abbey in early May.

The hour long service contained a mixture of tradition and a more modern slant, with music written especially for the occasion.

Red Arrows salute the King

For once the Scottish weather behaved itself and the royal party emerged from St Giles’ Cathedral into glorious sunshine and were able to fully appreciate the marvellous flypast by the RAF’s Red Arrows.

The world famous aerobatic display team performed for the King and Queen over Buckingham Palace for the Coronation in London back in May, but low cloud on a day of adverse weather meant visibility wasn’t ideal; but this time their incredible demonstration of synchronised flying could be enjoyed by all.