Scotland’s Royal Holiday: King Charles will receive the Scottish Crown Jewels
Security in Edinburgh has been stepped up today ahead of the Scottish king’s coronation amid fears of sabotage by anti-monarchists.
A massive operation was launched after police received information that at least two groups will take the opportunity to protest.
Tall metal fences will line parts of the route as the King and Queen receive the Honors of Scotland, the Scottish Crown Jewels, in a national Thanksgiving ceremony at 2:15 p.m.
Agents have taken anti-terror measures, including sweeping trash cans and banning drones from the area around the event.
The British anti-monarchist group Republic has already announced plans to demonstrate along Lawnmarket, meters from where the ceremony will take place.
Security in Edinburgh has been stepped up today ahead of the Scottish king’s coronation amid sabotage fears by anti-monarchists (Pictured: King Charles wearing the Imperial Crown of State, holding the orb and scepter, exits Westminster Abbey)
Scottish campaigners from Our Republic will simultaneously protest at Holyrood.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, police chief of the event, said officers will take a “proactive approach” to protesters, but that “safety is our priority.”
He said: ‘Campaigning and demonstrating is a legitimate, necessary and vital part of life.
“Abusive, threatening behavior or activity intended to disrupt the event that endangers public safety is not a legitimate protest.
‘Officers in the field have to make estimates in order to be able to quickly assess whether someone’s behavior exceeds the crime limit.
There are a number of factors and circumstances that influence this decision-making, as well as any triggers that could lead to a wider disruption.
‘Each situation is unique. Safety comes first for us, balanced against people’s rights.’
Fifteen roads in the city have been closed to make way for the thousands of spectators expected to line the streets.
All traffic is restricted, including buses and bicycles. Council heads also warned of potential travel chaos and urged people to plan ahead for travel.
Lord Lieutenant Robert Aldridge said: ‘The eyes of the world will once again be upon us as we mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. I am pretty sure it will be another proud day for the capital.
“We have to be prepared for disruptions throughout the city, especially in the Old Town. We are working to manage this as well as possible and to keep residents, businesses and visitors informed.
“For those who want to enjoy the royal and folk processions, I urge you to plan ahead.”
The event kicks off at 1.15pm with a People’s Procession along the Royal Mile consisting of 100 individuals from different groups representing different aspects of Scottish life.
At 1:40 pm the Honors of Scotland leave Holyroodhouse under military escort. More than 700 members of the armed forces will lead the ceremonial elements of the day.
Anti-monarchy protesters begin to gather near St Giles’ Cathedral on July 5, 2023, ahead of the National Service of Dedication and Thanksgiving in Edinburgh.
At 1:40 pm the Honors of Scotland leave Holyroodhouse under military escort. More than 700 members of the armed forces will lead the ceremonial elements of the day (Photo: King Charles III walks through the guard of honor on Monday)
The Stone of Destiny is also expected to feature prominently at the service at St Giles’.
Following the ceremony, a tri-service guard of honor will receive Their Majesties and the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay before 12 Regiment Royal Artillery fires a 21-gun salute at Edinburgh Castle. The events formally conclude with a fly-past from the Red Arrows.
Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, said: ‘I know thousands of Scots will be storming the streets of Edinburgh to honor the King and once again welcome the Royal Family to Scotland.
“It will be a huge honor to attend the service in my role as Secretary of State for Scotland.”
He added: ‘The armed forces of Scotland will play a key role in the service of conferring the honors of Scotland on the King and Queen. It is good and appropriate that they do so.
“They were such a crucial part of Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, they will now take center stage at this important moment for King Charles. I am very much looking forward to seeing our military at their best.’
The king, 74, dons a morning suit with gray waistcoat and top hat this week, and pops the outfit with a purple pocket square, at a garden party at Edinburgh’s Holyroodhouse
Heavy rain fell on Holyroodhouse gardens on Tuesday as 6,000 guests gathered to meet the King and Queen and the Princess Royal
Service personnel last took part in the awards of the Honors of Scotland in 1953 when they were presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Honors of Scotland ceremony marks the King and Queen’s initiation into Scotland and has its origins in the 1800s when they were awarded to King George IV.
Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said: ‘Today is a historic day for Scotland and a proud day for the hundreds of servicemen involved who will be on the occasion, once again demonstrating their world-class drill and ceremonial duties.
“The armed forces have a strong and entrenched relationship with Scotland, so it is only fitting that they lead the formal course of action in such a spectacular manner.”