King Charles III. and Queen Camilla: Royal Week starts with ceremony in Edinburgh

King Charles III begins with military honor and centuries -old traditions. (76) his official week in Scotland. The British monarch spends several days in its official residence in Scotland, the Holyrood Palace (Palace of Holyroodhouse) every year. The so -called Royal Week starts with a special ceremony in the palace gardens.

The monarch will initially accept a royal salute and inspect the King’s King’s Bodyguard Scotland (Royal Company of Archers). This traditional group acts as a personal body guard of the king in Scotland and shows itself in its historical uniform.

A special moment awaits Charles at the key ceremony (Ceremony of the keys), a centuries-old tradition that officially welcomes him in the Scottish capital. Lord Provost Robert Aldridge will hand over the keys to the city of Edinburgh – a symbolic gesture that underlines the connection between the crown and the city. The king will then return the keys for safe storage, as the tradition provides.

This ceremony not only marks the beginning of the Royal Week, but also the deep historical roots of the monarchy in Scotland. The Holyrood Palace serves as the official residence of the royal family during their stay.

On Tuesday, King Charles will lead an investment ceremony in the palace, where he will honor significant personalities from various areas. One of the honored is the artist Barbara Rae (81), who was appointed as a lady for her services to art – an award she had already received in the New Year Honors.

Special attention also applies to Duncan Scott (28), Scotland’s most successful Olympian, who is appointed Officer of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to swimming. Scott has won several medals at various Olympic Games and is considered one of the most outstanding swimmers in the country.

Another sporty hero is also honored: Stephen Clegg (29), who won two gold medals at the Paralympic Games 2024 in Paris, receives the Member of the British Empire (MBE) for its extraordinary achievements in swimming.

The end of the first day is a traditional garden party in the Holyrood Palace, which King Charles and Queen Camilla (77) will organize together. They are supported by Princess Anne (74) and her husband Sir Tim Laurence (70). This event offers the opportunity for personal encounters between the royal couple and invited guests from various areas of Scottish society.

The Royal Week is one of the most important annual obligations of the monarch and underlines the special relationship between the crown and Scotland. shows the royal family photos of previous stays and events on the property.