King Charles III and Queen Camilla have recently commenced their royal duties in Scotland, marking a significant occasion with the opening of the seventh session of the Scottish Parliament. This ceremonial event took place on June 27, 2026, at the Scottish Parliament Building in Edinburgh, where the royal couple was greeted with warmth and respect.
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The ceremony celebrated Scottish culture and heritage, featuring a diverse array of performances that highlighted the nation’s artistic traditions. Notably, Scotland’s national poet, Pàdraig MacAoidh, delivered a heartfelt poem in Gaelic, while various youth choirs and performers from the National Theatre of Scotland contributed to the festive atmosphere. This vibrant celebration aligns with the longstanding tradition of the sovereign spending a portion of the summer in Scotland, commonly referred to as Royal Week.
On the same day that King Charles and Queen Camilla attended the opening ceremony, news broke that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would be bringing their children, Archie and Lilibet, to the UK in July. This marks a significant family reunion, as it will be the first time the children have been in the country since the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. However, it has been reported that the young royals will not participate in any public engagements during their visit.
Upon their arrival at Queensberry House, the King and Queen were warmly welcomed and had the opportunity to connect with various dignitaries, including Scotland’s First Minister. The event proceeded with the ceremonial entrance of the Mace, Elizabeth Sword, and the Crown of Scotland, accompanied by a musical performance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Brass Ensemble, which lent a regal touch to the proceedings.
King Charles addressed the Assembly in the Debating Chamber, where he officially declared the seventh session of the Scottish Parliament open. His remarks reflected his fond regard for Scotland, a nation with deep historical ties to the British royal family. Following his speech, the festivities progressed with further cultural performances, showcasing Scotland’s rich artistic tapestry and engaging the audience in a celebration of national pride.
In a touching moment following the formalities, the King and Queen met with local community members nominated by members of the Scottish Parliament for their outstanding contributions to society. This interaction underscores the royal family’s commitment to recognising and honouring those who serve their communities, further enhancing the close-knit ties between the monarchy and the Scottish people.
This particular engagement follows the couple’s last visit to the Scottish Parliament in September 2024, during which King Charles spoke with emotional reflection about his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, and her connections to Scotland. As Balmoral Castle, the royal family’s cherished Scottish residence, holds a special place in their hearts, the relationship between the monarchy and Scotland remains strong.
Royal Week, which is scheduled to run through the end of June and into early July, is an opportunity for the King and Queen to immerse themselves in Scottish culture, celebrating the achievements of its people while carrying out their royal duties. During this time, they typically reside at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, engaging with local communities and participating in various ceremonial and cultural events.
In keeping with tradition, the beginning of Royal Week includes a symbolic receipt of the keys to the city, marking the start of their engagements across Scotland. Alongside various scheduled events, including an investiture and a garden party, the week serves as a platform to honour Scotland’s heritage and achievements, reinforcing the bond between the monarchy and the nation.
As the royal couple continues their engagements, it becomes clear that King Charles is embracing his role by upholding the legacy of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, while embarking on his own journey to deepen the relationship between the monarchy and Scotland. While Royal Week invites many duties, it does not signify an extended departure from England, as King Charles is still expected to visit his beloved Balmoral Castle later in the summer, blending royal responsibilities with personal tradition.