King Charles has arrived for the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, as royal plans have been scaled back.
The monarch travelled to Edinburgh this morning to mark the city’s 900th anniversary.
King Charles and Queen Camilla travelled to the Scottish capital for two days of royal engagements, from the King presenting awards at an investiture ceremony to the Queen hosting a reception for bookshop owners, writers and literary organisations.
Each year, the monarch traditionally spends a week based at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, known as Holyrood Week or Royal Week in Scotland.
King Charles during the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Getty
Holyrood Week is shorter than in previous years as the General Election has meant the Royal Family has postponed any engagements “which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign”.
The King began his official engagements in Scotland by inspecting a guard of honour in the Palace of Holyroodhouse gardens and then attending the Ceremony of the Keys, where he was presented with the keys to the city.
The ceremony saw the monarch being handed the keys of the city and welcomed to the “ancient and hereditary Kingdom of Scotland”.
A Guard of Honour was provided by the Balaklava Company, The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
King Charles has travelled up to Scotland for Holyrood Week
PA
Later King Charles will preside over the investiture ceremony.
Recipients include bestselling author Sir Alexander McCall Smith, who will receive a knighthood for services to literature, academia and charity.
Queen Camilla will also hold a reception to celebrate those promoting Scottish literacy.
Then, the King and his wife will host guests at a garden party alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
King Charles will attend a garden party later on today
PA
King Charles was not joined by Queen Camilla at the ceremony
PA
On Wednesday, the King and Queen will be joined by Prince William, whose Scottish title is the Duke of Rothesay.
William will join his father and stepmother at the Thistle Service at St Giles’ Cathedral, where Camilla and Prince Edward will be appointed to the Order of the Thistle.
Charles and Camilla will round off the trip by joining a celebration with various performers, guests and organisations at Edinburgh Castle to mark the city’s 900th anniversary.
