King Charles III has officially commenced Royal Week in Scotland with the traditional Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. The ceremony, which took place on June 30, 2026, is a long-standing custom that involves the monarch symbolically accepting and then immediately returning the keys to the city, thereby entrusting their safekeeping to the Lord Provost and the local council.
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Upon arrival via helicopter, the King received a Royal Salute and was greeted by Service Chiefs, before inspecting the Balaklava Company of the 5th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, who served as the guard of honour for the occasion. The grand ceremony unfolds in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland.
The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, presented the keys to the King, conveying the traditional welcome. “We, the Lord Provost and members of the City of Edinburgh Council, welcome Your Majesty to the capital city of your ancient and hereditary kingdom of Scotland, and offer for your gracious acceptance the keys of Your Majesty’s good city of Edinburgh,” he stated, according to reports.
In a gracious response, King Charles returned the keys promptly, expressing his confidence in the local leaders. “I return these keys perfectly convinced that they cannot be placed in better hands than those of the Lord Provost and councillors of my good city of Edinburgh,” he remarked, highlighting the symbolic nature of the event as both a gesture of unity and trust.
As the ceremony unfolded, music from the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion added to the jubilant atmosphere, with members of the Royal Company of Archers, known colloquially as “The King’s Bodyguard for Scotland,” also taking part. This ceremonial pageantry marks the beginning of a week dedicated to celebrating Scotland’s rich culture and community.
Royal Week is a time when the monarch engages with various facets of Scottish life, with planned activities typically including an investiture service and garden parties. On the same day as the Ceremony of the Keys, King Charles was seen attending a garden party alongside Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward, following a series of honours bestowed during the investiture service.
Notably, Queen Camilla attracted some attention during the event by welcoming Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling to Holyroodhouse, a move which stirred controversy among some sections of the public, given Rowling’s polarising views on various issues. This unexpected visit added an intriguing facet to the Royal Week festivities, which commenced ahead of Prince Harry’s anticipated visit to the UK.
Prince Harry is set to return to his homeland with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, for the first time in four years. However, their visit is overshadowed by ongoing discussions regarding security arrangements and police protection. A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex mentioned that he is actively working to ensure a safe visit for his family, indicating the complexities surrounding royals in today’s landscape.
Over the course of the week, King Charles and other members of the royal family will attend various events across Scotland until July 3, seeking to strengthen ties with the Scottish community and celebrate the nation’s achievements.
As Royal Week unfolds, it remains a significant period within the British royal calendar, rich in tradition and an opportunity for the monarchy to engage directly with the people of Scotland. The historical and cultural significance of events like the Ceremony of the Keys ensures that these royal traditions continue to foster a sense of connection and unity across the kingdom.