Two months after Charles III’s coronation, Scotland hosts its own event to honor the new monarch

Scotland’s Exclusive Event to Commemorate King Charles III’s Reign, Two Months after Coronation

Following the grand coronation of King Charles III at London’s Westminster Abbey, Scotland is preparing to hold its own event to honor the new monarch’s ascension to the throne, marking a unique relationship between the nation and the monarchy.

Although King Charles and Queen Camilla will not undergo a second coronation in Edinburgh, the festivities will feature a crown, horse-drawn carriages, mounted cavalry, and a flyover by the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force’s aerobatic display team, as Scotland celebrates its special connection with the monarchy.

The focal point of the event will be a service of gratitude at St. Giles’ Cathedral, during which Charles will receive the Scottish Honors—the crown, scepter, and sword of state, previously used to crown Scotland’s kings and queens. The Stone of Destiny, a significant symbol of Scottish identity, will also be brought to the cathedral for the celebrations.

In addition to these iconic representations of Scotland’s nationhood, this event signifies respect for a country that takes immense pride in its history and where the desire for independence persists, despite its union with England and the United Kingdom since 1707. The Scottish National Party, leading Scotland’s government, advocates for a second independence referendum.

“This is not a coronation,” clarified George Gross, an expert in coronations from King’s College London, “but it holds great symbolism as Scotland has its distinct identity.”

The events in Edinburgh on Wednesday are part of Charles’ ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the four nations comprising the United Kingdom, demonstrating that the thousand-year-old monarchy remains relevant in modern Britain. Following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September of last year, Charles visited Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales before attending the state funeral in London.

Similar to the multicultural nature of Britain showcased during the coronation ceremony in May, the church service on Wednesday will include a Gaelic psalm. Charles will also receive a new sword crafted by Scottish artisans, named after Queen Elizabeth. This sword will replace the current sword of state, dating back to 1507, which is too delicate for use in the ceremony.

However, amidst the celebrations, some Scots will not be joining in, as people throughout the UK face a cost-of-living crisis driven by soaring food and energy prices.

Our Republic, a group advocating for an elected head of state in Scotland, has scheduled a protest rally outside the Scottish parliament to coincide with the coronation events. In a statement, the group expressed, “The majority of Scotland did not care to celebrate the coronation in May, as support for the monarchy is at an all-time low in Scotland. Charles’ continuous need to celebrate his reign, with all the grandeur and spectacle it demands, is a slap in the face to the people struggling with the cost of living.”

The coronation festivities will commence in the early afternoon with a People’s Procession, traversing the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to St. Giles’ Cathedral. The procession will involve over 100 participants representing charities and public service organizations such as the Scottish Ambulance Service, the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association, and the Girls’ Brigade.

Escorted by police and military units, the Scottish Honors will follow closely behind.

Subsequently, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiments and various military bands will depart from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the king in Edinburgh. Charles and Camilla will then depart from the palace.

The one-hour service of gratitude is scheduled to commence at 2:15 p.m. (13:15 GMT), followed by a 21-gun salute and a flyover by the Red Arrows.

These celebrations provide an opportunity for royal enthusiasts to honor Charles’ coronation while paying tribute to Scotland’s distinctive history.

Scotland was historically an independent country and first united with England in 1603 after the death of Queen Elizabeth I. Since the queen had no children, the crown passed to her cousin James VI, who was already the king of Scotland, thereby uniting the two countries under a shared sovereign.

However, Scotland maintained its independence until 1707 when lawmakers from both nations approved the Act of Union, establishing the United Kingdom.

For Charles, the public festivities are likely to hold personal significance, as he will stand on nearly the same spot where he stood vigil last year, overseeing his mother’s coffin with the crown of Scotland resting atop it.

“It would be remarkable if that didn’t affect him or any human being,” remarked Gross, a visiting research fellow in theology at King’s College London. “This plays a vital role in unifying the union, just as he conducted various services around the Union, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and so on after the passing of the late queen. He will do the same here. This is about bringing things together.”

For additional AP coverage of the British monarch, visit: https://bigbignews.net/king-charles-iii

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• King Charles III Coronation Event in Scotland
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• Stone of Destiny
• Our Republic Campaign
• Act of Union 1707