Scottish coronation of King Charles: Date, timings, and what to expect
The coronation of King Charles III will be marked in Scotland this week in a series of events, which will include a flypast by the Red Arrows.
Rehearsals are underway for the ‘Scottish coronation’ which will see Charles presented with the ‘Honours of Scotland’ – the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain. The jewels will travel from Edinburgh Castle to nearby St Giles’ Cathedral for the occasion.
The Honours comprise a crown, the sword and sceptre dating from the late fifteenth and early sixteenth century, during the reigns of James IV and James V, the grandfather and father of Mary Queen of Scots.
The Scottish event will also feature the Stone of Destiny which was carried out of Edinburgh Castle and taken to London’s Westminster Abbey for May’s coronation, where it was placed underneath the coronation chair.
So, when exactly is the Scottish coronation, where is it, what will happen and where can you watch the events?
Let’s find out.
When is the Scottish coronation?
The National Service of Thanksgiving to mark the Coronation – often called the Scottish coronation – of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla will take place in Edinburgh on Wednesday, July 5.
The King and Queen will be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales – the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland – and take part in a Royal Procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
They will then attend the National Service of Thanksgiving to mark the Coronation at St Giles’ Cathedral.
What will happen on the day?
Events will begin with a ‘People’s Procession’ at lunchtime involving around 100 people representing different aspects of Scottish life. They will walk on foot from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral, accompanied by a military escort and cadet force bands.
The Honours of Scotland will then be escorted from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral, with The King’s Body Guard for Scotland and a Tri-Service Guard of Honour formed by contingents of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force with a military band and pipes and drums.
This will be followed by more military pipe and drums, bands, members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, and the Royal Procession.
The Service of Thanksgiving will be held at St Giles, where three pipers from Gordounstoun, the King’s former school, will play for the monarch, who will be presented with the Honours of Scotland.
Afterwards there will be a 21-gun salute and the Royal party will return to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, when a flypast by the Red Arrows will take place.
Key timings for the Scottish coronation
- 1315 People’s Procession departs Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
- 1330People’s Procession arrives at St Giles’ Cathedral
- 1340 The Honours of Scotland leave Edinburgh Castle Esplanade under military escort
- 1340Military pipe and drums bands and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment move from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to West Parliament Square
- 1350 The Honours of Scotland arrive at West Parliament Square by vehicle
- 1405 Royal Procession leaves the Palace of Holyroodhouse
- 1410 Royal Procession arrives at St Giles’ Cathedral
- 1415 National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication begins
- 1515 Service ends
- 1520 The King and Queen exit St Giles’ to Gun Salute from Edinburgh Castle
- 1527 Royal party arrive at Palace of Holyroodhouse
- 1540 RAF flypast down the Royal Mile
How can I watch the events?
A Scottish Service of Thanksgiving for King Charles will be broadcast live on BBC1 from 1.30pm until 3.45pm.
You can also stand along the procession route in Edinburgh in person.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: ‘I will attend the Service at St Giles’ Cathedral and I look forward to representing the people of Scotland at this historic event.
‘Any members of the public who wish to get involved will be able to follow TV or radio coverage, or view events in person along the Royal Mile.
‘Space will be limited so those planning to come should arrive early and be prepared for whatever the weather may hold.’
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