Royal Week 2024

Known in Scotland as 'Royal Week', and to others as 'Holyrood Week', the week celebrates Scottish culture, achievement and community. 

Read more about Holyrood Week. 

Tuesday 2nd July

The traditional Ceremony of the Keys has taken place in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, marking the start of Royal Week.

The ceremony marks the official welcoming of The King into the city of Edinburgh, 'your ancient and hereditary kingdom of Scotland' by the Lord Provost, who offers him the keys of the city. 

His Majesty met Service Chiefs before receiving a Royal Salute and inspecting the Balaklava Company, 5 SCOTS Guard of Honour.

Later, The King held an Investiture at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, whilst The Queen hosted a reception to celebrate those who work to promote Scottish Literacy. 

As an avid reader, Her Majesty has a strong interest in highlighting the importance of literacy and has long been recognised as a supporter of literacy in the UK and internationally.

At the Palace, The Queen met book shop owners and authors including Alexander McCall Smith. Representatives from the Edinburgh International Book Festival were also present, which has supported thinkers, authors, and illustrators since 1983. 

Her Majesty also spoke to the Scottish Book Trust, a charity that works to promote reading as a way to inspire creativity, improves employment opportunities and mental health.

This afternoon, The King and Queen, joined by The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, hosted guests at a Garden Party.

Guests, who have made a significant contribution to Scottish life, were invited to spend a relaxed afternoon in the beautiful grounds of the Palace, accompanied by music from regimental bands and The Royal Scottish Pipers Society. 

Also in attendance were The Royal Company of Archers, who are The King's official bodyguards in Scotland. Since 1822, the Company have been available for duty to The Sovereign anywhere in Scotland. 

Wednesday 3rd July

This morning, The King and Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Rothesay and other members of the Royal Family, attended the Thistle Service at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.

The King, The Duke of Rothesay, and The Duchess of Edinburgh attended the Thistle Service at St Giles’ Cathedral for the installation to the Order of the Thistle of The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, the Baroness Black of Strome LT, the Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws LT and Sir Geoff Palmer KT.

The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is the greatest order of chivalry in Scotland, recognising sixteen Knights and Ladies with the highest honour in the country.

The King is Sovereign of the Order and appointments made to the Order are made in recognition of men and women who have held public office or have contributed significantly to national life.

Later, Their Majesties attended a celebration for the 900th anniversary of the City of Edinburgh. 

At Edinburgh Castle, The King and Queen were greeted by a colourful and dynamic display of the very best of Edinburgh. With performances from Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, music from a local accordion player and Bangra Dancers, Their Majesties spoke to local Edinburgh organisations at various displays, showcasing innovation, food, design, and charity.

Organisations and displays forming the celebrations included The Hub, a charity which supports disadvantaged young people; a stall designed by Anna Freemantle Zee, showcasing sustainable fashion for an upcoming exhibition at Royal Botanic Gardens; Herbie of Edinburgh, a local deli; Historic Environment Scotland, focussing on crafts and how young Edinburgh apprentices have been working on restoring Edinburgh Castle; Barnardo’s, demonstrating the creative and sustainable ways local people can support them; and local, young participants, graduates and ambassadors from The Prince’s Trust.

Concluding the celebrations, The King and Queen will be invited to cut a cake, baked by 2020 Great British Bake Off winner, Peter Sawkins.