Holyrood Week 2019

Day 1

Today was the first day of The Queen’s annual #HolyroodWeek, where Her Majesty carries out engagements across Scotland. 

Holyrood Week 2019




Each year, The Queen stays in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Her Majesty’s official residence in Scotland, and visits different regions of the country to meet Scots from all walks of life.

Holyrood Week

Today The Queen was at Greenfaulds High School in Cumbernauld and Ceremony of the Keys were this evening held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. 

At Greenfaulds High School, students can carry out their education in Gaelic.

Teacher Eileen McLoughlin received a surprise certificate of recognition from Her Majesty on her final day of work before retirement, after 32 years of service at the school. 

Holyrood Week

The Queen also watched the North Lanarkshire Council Pipe Band perform and met members of the school athletics club. 

Archie presented Her Majesty with a posy before the engagement finished. 

Holyrood Week

Also today, the traditional Ceremony of the Keys took place on the Forecourt of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. 

The Guard of Honour was F Company Scots Guards and Pipes and Drums were provided by 1st Battalion, Scots Guards with music by the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Day 2

On the second day of The Queen's engagements in Scotland, Her Majesty and The Duke of Rothesay (as The Prince of Wales is known when in Scotland) marked the 20th Anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.

A detachment of Archers lined the route for The Queen and The Duke of Rothesay as they made their way to the Scottish Parliament from The Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Royal Company of Archers functions as the Sovereign's 'Body Guard in Scotland'.

The Queen first opened the Scottish Parliament in 1999, and then the Parliament building in 2014. She also confirmed Donald Dewar as the first First Minister of Scotland.

The building is situated opposite the Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queen's Gallery in Edinburgh.

The ceremony included speeches from The Queen, First Minister and party leaders, as well as musical performances and readings.

In her speech, Her Majesty spoke of the importance of the parliament as a place to bring together diverse communities and spark debate, as well as referring to her own links to the country.

I have noted on previous occasions my great affection for Scotland, and the many happy and personal connections I enjoy with this wonderful country.  It has been with great pleasure that over the years I have watched Scotland grow and prosper.

Read The Queen's speech in full.

The Honours of Scotland - the Scottish Regalia - were placed before the Dais in the Chamber at the Scottish Parliament during the ceremony.

The regalia were used together for the coronation of Scottish monarchs from Mary I in 1543 until Charles II in 1651.

 

Day 3

On Day 3 of #HolyroodWeek2019, Her Majesty attended a Sunday Church service at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh's Old Town.

Canongate Kirk Edinburgh The Queen Royal Week

For more on The Queen and Faith, visit here.

The Queen Canongate Kirk Holyrood Week

Day 4

The Earl and Countess of Forfar, as The Earl and Countess of Wessex are known when in Scotland, today visited Forfar - Their Royal Highness' first visit since their new titles were announced in March this year.

ecw_forfar

In a day of engagements, The Earl and Countess learned about the work of Guide Dogs Scotland, tried the famous 'Forfar Bridie', watched a Highland Dancing display and visited St John's Episcopal Church where The Queen Mother, The Earl's Grandmother, was confirmed. For more on the visit, see here.

Day 5

Today Her Majesty held an #Investiture in the Great Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

John Davidson (below, right) collected his MBE for services to people with Tourette's Syndrome. John has dedicated much of his life to helping others with TS and raising awareness of the condition through his work with Tourette’s Scotland, Tourette’s Action and visiting schools and giving talks.

John Davidson and Doddie Weir Palace of Holyroodhouse Investiture

Around 60 recipients received an award this morning, in recognition of their outstanding achievements, personal bravery and services to the UK and British Overseas Territories.

Day 6

Her Majesty the Queen welcomed thousands of guests to the beautiful gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Day 6 of #HolyroodWeek2019.

Each year The Queen hosts up to three Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace and one here at the Palace of Holyroodhouse - over 30,000 people attend in total.

Garden Parties have been held at Buckingham Palace since the 1860's, when Queen Victoria instituted what were known as 'breakfasts'. They have now evolved into a way of rewarding and recognising public service.

The Queen Garden Party

Other members of The Royal Family attended yesterday's Garden Party, including The Princess Royal:

The Princess Royal Palace of Holyroodhouse Garden Party

The Duke of York:

And The Earl of Forfar:

The Earl of Forfar Garden Party The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Click here for more on Garden Parties.

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