Monday 3rd July 2023 saw King Charles III arrive at Edinburgh and participate in The Ceremony of The Keys at the Palace of Holyrood House.

Bands are:
1. 2 SCOTS Pipes, Drums & Bugles
2. The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Troops are:
1. The Royal Archers

Thanks to the lady beside me for the commentary, she was a wealth of knowledge! Her husband is a Royal Archer!

The Keys of the City are presented only to the Sovereign or a personally appointed representative and are handed over in a ceremony believed to date back, at least, to the reign of Mary (1561-66) when the town was enclosed by defensive walls.

The Lord Provost, accompanied by the Councillors, presents the keys whenever the Monarch visits the capital with the words, "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."

To which the Monarch replies, "I return these Keys, being perfectly convinced that they cannot be placed in better hands than those of the Lord Provost and Councillors of my good City of Edinburgh."

The Royal Company of Archers
The Sovereign’s Personal Body Guard for Scotland

The Royal Company has been the Sovereign’s Personal Bodyguard for Scotland since that honour was conferred by King George IV in 1822. The Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, formed by King Henry VIII in 1509, and The Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard, formed by King Henry VII in 1485, attend the Sovereign elsewhere in the United Kingdom. The Royal Company undertakes duties at the request of The King at any State and ceremonial occasion in Scotland. The most regular duty is to be in attendance at His Majesty’s annual Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

00:00 The Palace of Holyroodhouse
00:15 Charlie Wallace - Secretary of The Royal Company of Archers
01:01 Ruaridh Tuach- Edinburgh Garrison Sergeant Manor (GSM)
04:00 2 SCOTS Pipes, Drums and Bugles enter Holyrood Palace
04:12 The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland enter Holyrood Palace
04:38 Sir Alistair Irwin leads The Royal Company of Archers
06:07 Councillor Robert Aldridge Edinburgh Lord Provost and party arrive with mace and keys
07:40 21 Gun Royal Salute from Edinburgh Castle begins
09:09 General Salute - Present Arms! (God Save The King - The National Anthem)
10:45 2 SCOTS P&D play "74th's Slow March" whilst Archers are inspected by King Charles
14:49 2 SCOTS P&D Drum Major Thomas McKay is introduced to King Charles
21:00 Lord Provost and party depart after "The Ceremony of The Keys" has been performed
22:40 Bands Ready themselves
23:28 Bands March Off (rain begins!)

Thanks for watching and for all of your support!

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