King Charles takes part in historic ceremony as Royal Week kicks off in Scotland

King Charles takes part in historic ceremony as Royal Week kicks off in Scotland The King and Queen arrived to fanfare in Scotland today, as he was handed the keys to the city of Edinburgh in a traditional ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse Royal Week has kicked off in Scotland today, with King Charles being handed the keys to the city of Edinburgh as part of a historic ceremony. The King took part in the traditional Ceremony of the Keys, taking place in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The ceremony marks the start of Royal Week, dedicated to celebrating Scottish culture and traditions. Arriving for the official welcome to the Scottish capital, the King was met by a slight drizzle of rain and given a Royal Salute and Guard of Honour by Balaklava Company 5th Battalion Royal Regiment. Music was performed by The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Pipes and Drums of 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, who played renditions such as The Proclaimers song I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) and Tartan Army’s footy chant Yes Sir, I can Boogie by Baccara. Charles met senior military figures and received a royal salute during the ceremony, with Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge presenting the keys to the King, holding them on a red cushion. Mr Aldridge said: “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.” In return, Charles gave the traditional reply: “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.” Around 200 people were invited as a thank you for their work in the local community, who watched the ceremony from the palace garden. The King traditionally spends a week based at the Palace of Holyroodhouse each year for what is known as Holyrood Week, or Royal Week, in Scotland.