Holyrood Week, also known as Royal Week, takes place annually when the reigning British monarchs visits Scotland for around a week and resides at the Palace of Holyrood House. Holyrood Week usually takes place around the end of June and beginning of July, and this year it takes place from Monday 3rd July 2023.
Here is everything you need to know about Holyrood Week and what events will take place this year…
Why is Holyrood Week important?
Each year, the Monarch will visit various regions in Scotland to celebrate Scottish culture, community and achievements. It also allows the Monarch to meet people from all walks of life and pay recognition to their work by hosting at the Palace of Holyrood House. This year is especially important as it will be His Majesty’s first Holyrood Week as Monarch and will also mark the ‘Scottish coronation’ of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The King and Queen will be accompanied by Prince William and Princess Catherine, whose Scottish titles are the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
What will happen during this year’s Holyrood Week?
This year’s Holyrood Week will begin with His Majesty taking part in a traditional welcome to Scotland during the ‘Ceremony of the Keys’ at the Palace of Holyrood House. This is a ceremony whereby The King is presented with the keys of the City of Edinburgh by the Lord Provost which he will keep hold of during his stay. Held in the Great Gallery at the Palace will also be an Investiture ceremony which recognises those in Scotland who have significantly contributed to society.
On Tuesday 4th July, a Garden Party will be held which invites around 8,000 Scottish people to spend an afternoon with The King in the grounds of the Palace. This will be the first Garden Party of His Majesty’s reign and will feature music from The Royal Scottish Pipers Society and regimental bands. During the party, the King and Queen will proceed down avenues and speak to a selection of guests. The avenues, as well as the ‘Grand Circle’ are created by His Majesty’s official bodyguards in Scotland; The Royal Company of Archers.
It has now been confirmed that Wednesday 5th July will see Scotland mark the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla during a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral. The day will begin with a Royal Procession and a People’s Procession along the Royal Mile. During the service, The King will be presented with the Scottish crown jewels, also known as the Honours of Scotland. Dating back to the 16th century, these are the oldest surviving crown jewels in Great Britain. After the ceremony there will be a gun salute at Edinburgh Castle followed by a Red Arrows flypast.
Last month it was announced that Queen Camilla had been appointed to the Order of the Thistle. The Thistle Service at St Giles’ Cathedral sometimes takes place during Holyrood Week. However, nothing has yet been confirmed. As well as these main engagements, His Majesty will also take part in multiple Scottish engagements which vary each year.
To celebrate the coronation of Britain’s new king, Charles III, and of his wife Camilla, as queen, these are the first sovereign coins ever to depict a reigning British king and queen together. Secure yours HERE.
