A royal reception for Edinburgh 900

The King and Queen attended a celebration of Edinburgh 900 this week at Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh 900 explores and celebrates the nine centuries of history and traditions in Scotland’s capital city, since the founding of the Royal Burgh by King David I around 1124.

The King and Queen were greeted by a colourful and dynamic display of the very best of Edinburgh, featuring performances from Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, music from a local accordion player, and Bhangra dancers.

There was also an array of local and national civic and community organisations represented including the Edinburgh Local Heritage Network, The Hub, Herbie of Edinburgh, Historic Environment Scotland, Barnardo’s and The Prince’s Trust.

The renowned author Alexander McCall Smith performed a short poem written for Edinburgh’s 900th birthday, his adopted home.

The Lord Provost Robert Aldridge then delivered a specially produced loyal address to The King and Queen.

Concluding the celebrations, The King and Queen were invited to cut an Edinburgh 900 themed cake baked by 2020 Great British Bake Off winner and Edinburgh-born, Peter Sawkins.

The Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “It was wonderful to welcome Their Majesties to Edinburgh to celebrate 900 years of Scotland’s capital city. The interest shown by The King and Queen highlights the importance of 900 years of our shared history and showcased local organisations exhibiting the very best of Edinburgh in the modern day which we’re rightly proud of.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how Edinburgh 900 develops in the months ahead. The full programme will delve into how Edinburgh came to be over the centuries. The programme will also celebrate Edinburgh in the present day and look ahead to our future ambitions and aspirations.”

An official programme launch will take place at the end of July. This will announce the full list of recipients of the Edinburgh 900 Community and Civic Funds.

His Majesty King Charles III confirmed as patron of breast cancer charity Walk the Walk

Cancer charity Walk the Walk is delighted to announce that His Majesty King Charles III has been confirmed as the charity’s patron.

As the former Prince of Wales, His Majesty first agreed to become Walk the Walk’s patron in 2004. The announcement that the King is to continue his patronage was made to celebrate the first anniversary of his coronation.

His own views on integrated and holistic cancer care, ethical and environmental issues and the belief that everyone has their own potential for good health and well-being, are well known and fully align with the charity. Since His Majesty became a supporter of Walk the Walk, he has fully endorsed its ethos and values.

Walk the Walk Founder and Chief Executive Nina Barough said: “I am thrilled that His Majesty King Charles III has agreed to continue as Walk the Walk’s patron – it is absolutely wonderful to have his royal seal of approval!

“Back in 2004, the King’s views on holistic and integrated cancer care were still not mainstream but were very much in line with our own.

“His opinions gave incredibly high profile backing to what Walk the Walk was attempting to achieve at the time – we continue to be very grateful for his support, which has helped our charity make such a difference to so many people over the years”.

Walk the Walk is also passionate about encouraging women and men to become fitter and healthier and to take control of their own well-being.

The charity is best-known as the organiser of its flagship events the iconic MoonWalk fundraising events in London, Scotland and Iceland, which see thousands of women and men take on a midnight marathon wearing the charities statement decorated bras, to raise awareness and money for the prevention, research and the emotional and physical care of those living with cancer.

Digital record of the Coronation unveiled for the first time in history

The Coronation Roll is the official record of the Monarch’s accession and crowning

King Charles III’s Coronation Roll presented to Their Majesties The King and Queen on Wednesday by Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Antonia Romeo.
The Public will be able to view the Roll online.

For the first time in history people will be able to explore a digitised version of the Coronation Roll through a new UK Government project.

The Coronation Roll is the official State record of a monarch’s accession and Coronation. The Roll contains details of The King’s accession, the planning of the Coronation, and a detailed description of the ceremony. Rolls include the monarch’s oath to govern according to the customs and laws of the realm, and detail the ceremonial of the coronation – the prayers, the service, the blessings, the order of service, and official guests. For centuries the roll has been authored by the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery.

The practice of creating rolls for monarchs’ coronations dates back to Edward II in 1308. Originally they were written in Latin and French. Rolls have been written in English from the seventeenth century and Charles III’s will be the first to be digitised to allow new generations of people to view it.

Visitors to the site will be able to view video and photographs from the Coronation and exclusive interviews with many of the key participants including Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt and Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk.

Charles III’s Coronation Roll was authored by Antonia Romeo, the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery.

It was produced by skilled craftspeople: hand-written by calligrapher Stephanie Gill, and decorated by heraldic artist Timothy Noad with national symbols of the United Kingdom including the English rose, Scottish thistle, Welsh leek and Northern Irish Shamrock. Rather than traditional vellum, it was created on high-quality animal product-free paper.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden and Antonia Romeo presented the new Coronation Roll and its digital version to Their Majesties The King and Queen at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. Their Majesties also viewed several historic rolls: Elizabeth II’s, Victoria’s, William and Mary’s and Edward II’s.

Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, said: “The Coronation Roll is a beautifully illustrated record and an important document of the accession and Coronation of Their Majesties The King and Queen.

“The Coronation marked a new chapter in our national story and it reflects the very best of our national traditions – which are admired the world over.

£For the first time, this Coronation Roll will be digitised – bringing the tradition into the twenty-first century and giving as many people as possible the opportunity to see it.”

Charles III’s Coronation Roll will be stored with other coronation rolls in the National Archives.

King to step back from public duties following cancer diagnosis

5.2.24 – A STATEMENT FROM BUCKINGHAM PALACE:

During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.

His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.

The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.

His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.

New medal to recognise British humanitarian heroes

A new medal recognising people who have responded during a major humanitarian crisis is being introduced

Deputy Prime Minister unveils a new medal for those who respond to humanitarian crises such as conflict and natural disasters.
Medal one of the first new awards to be approved by His Majesty The King, on advice from the government.

A new medal to recognise people who have responded selflessly during or after a major humanitarian crisis has been announced by the UK Government.

The Humanitarian Medal will be awarded to staff in public service organisations and charities, who respond in support of human welfare or in the immediate aftermath of a crisis.

Recipients will be people who have responded to major humanitarian disasters, such as those who have provided disaster relief or helped those in need in conflict zones.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said: “Britain has a long and proud tradition of being first in line to help those in need, wherever they may be in the world.

“This new medal is a fitting tribute to our humanitarian heroes who put the needs of others before their own, often in the most challenging or dangerous environments.”

The UK has consistently been a world leader in providing humanitarian assistance.

The Humanitarian Medal will be awarded to those who have responded to emergencies both abroad and in the UK, including:

Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes and floods
Conflict related crises
Biological emergencies, such as an epidemic
Large industrial accidents

An example of the kind of service which the medal will recognise is the work by civilian and military organisations following the outbreak of Ebola across West Africa in 2015, which the UK marked with a bespoke Ebola Medal.

International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said: “At a time when the world faces increasing crises, this new Humanitarian Medal recognises the unsung humanitarian heroes who go above and beyond to provide aid when disasters hit.

“I applaud the efforts of those who show such courage and serve as inspiration in a range of desperate situations.

“Our work around the world depends on these extraordinary people, and this award honours their outstanding contribution in responding to a major crisis.”

The new medal will be similar to a military operational medal, in which it will seek to acknowledge service given in response to a specific event.

Civil servants, charity workers, as well as military personnel, the emergency services, such as the police and heath workers, working on behalf of the UK Government will be eligible.

The design, which has been approved by HM The King, features laurel wreaths symbolising victory in overcoming a crisis, interwoven with a banner proclaiming “For humanitarian service”. The obverse will bear an effigy of His Majesty The King.

The ribbon design reflects the different paths for humanitarian service and the variety of services involved in such responses. The ribbon has a central stripe of white to represent civilians and peace, with four narrow stripes on either side of red, light blue, dark blue and purple. Red represents humanitarian organisations. Dark blue and purple represent the other services.

Government departments will be responsible for developing recommendations for use of the medal to the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals. Recommendations for medal awards will then be submitted to approval for His Majesty The King.

The government is committed to making sure honours represent the length and breadth of the country, celebrating the fantastic contribution of people from every corner of the UK.

City centre grinds to a halt as Scotland marks Royal Coronation

National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication

Scotland will mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla with a series of events in Edinburgh today.

The King, accompanied by The Queen, will be presented with the Honours of Scotland – Scotland’s crown jewels – at a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral.

The service will be preceded by a ‘People’s Procession’ of 100 people representing different aspects of Scottish life, which will travel from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral, and the Royal Procession, which will travel to the Cathedral from the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Public opportunities will be available along the Royal Mile to view the procession, and the accompanying military bands and escorts.

The St Giles’ Service will be followed by a 21-Gun Salute fired from Edinburgh Castle and a flypast down the Royal Mile by the RAF Red Arrows.

The First Minister, Humza Yousaf, who is a republican, said: “Scotland will mark the visit of The King and Queen this week with a series of events to celebrate the Coronation, and I’m looking forward to representing the people of Scotland at today’s historic service at St Giles’ Cathedral.

“Those who wish to be involved will be able to follow TV or radio coverage of the proceedings, or view events in person along the Royal Mile. Space will be limited and a number of roads in the area will be closed, so I strongly encourage anyone attending to arrive early, use public transport if possible, and come prepared for whatever the weather may hold.”

Lord Lieutenant Robert Aldridge said: “The eyes of the world will be upon us once again as we mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. I’m quite sure it will be another proud day for the Capital.

“Given the scale and significance of these ceremonial events, we have to be prepared for disruption across the city, but particularly in the Old Town. We’re working with our partners to manage this as best we can and to keep residents, businesses and visitors updated on the events.

“For those who wish to enjoy the Royal and People’s Processions, I urge you to please plan ahead and keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the latest advice and guidance.”

For the most up-to-date information, visit:

City Council’s dedicated webpages,

www.gov.scot and

www.royal.uk.

The @edintravel traffic information team will be monitoring the city’s roads, sharing the latest information on disruption and diversions on Twitter.

See also Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams.

Coronation disruption in city centre: public urged to plan ahead

Temporary road closures will be in place this week across Edinburgh’s city centre as the city prepares to host a major ceremonial event to mark the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

On Wednesday (5 July) the King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland (Scottish Crown Jewels) at a national service of thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral following processions on the Royal Mile.

The Council is working with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland to safely accommodate the large crowds of people expected to line the city’s streets in celebration of this historic occasion.

Residents and visitors are being urged to plan ahead and avoid any non-essential travel in and around the Old Town on Wednesday afternoon. People should check the Council website, which is being updated with details of road closures and other public transport information.

People can also follow the relevant transport agencies, Scottish Government and Royal Household for up-to-date event information.

Lord Lieutenant Robert Aldridge said: “The eyes of the world will be upon us once again as we mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. I’m quite sure it will be another proud day for the Capital.

“For those who wish to enjoy the Royal and People’s Processions, I urge you to please plan ahead and keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the latest advice and guidance.”

POLICE have announced that temporary airspace restrictions will be in place from 7am Monday 3 July until 4pm Friday 7 July in Edinburgh city centre ‘for security and your safety’.

Restrictions include drones.

You must check if it is legal to fly in your area.

For more information, visit: https://ow.ly/KP0750OXgiE

For general advice on airspace restrictions, visit: https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/airspace-and-restrictions/

For the most up-to-date information, visit:

the city council’s dedicated webpages

www.gov.scot and

www.royal.uk.

The @edintravel traffic information team will be carefully monitoring the city’s roads, sharing the latest information on disruption and diversions on Twitter.

See also Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams.

#RoyalWeek

Scotland to mark Coronation of The King and Queen

One lavish Coronation ceremony just isn’t quite enough …

Scotland will mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla during Royal Week in Edinburgh on Wednesday 5 July.

The King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland at a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral following processions on the Royal Mile. Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay will also attend events.

The Honours will be collected from Edinburgh Castle by a ‘People’s Procession’, involving around 100 people representing aspects of Scottish life.

It will be escorted by The Royal Regiment of Scotland , Shetland pony mascot Corporal Cruachan IV and supported by cadet musicians from the Combined Cadet Force Pipes and Drums, 51 Brigade Cadet Military Band.

The Royal Procession will travel from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the Cathedral. There will be opportunities for the public to view the People’s Procession and the Royal Procession along the Royal Mile.

A 21-Gun Salute will fire from Edinburgh Castle at the end of the St Giles’ Service, before the Royal Procession travels back to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

King Charles III receives the First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf during an audience at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Wednesday May 17, 2023.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Scotland will welcome the new King and Queen in July with a series of events to mark the Coronation. A People’s Procession, a Royal Procession, a National Service of Thanksgiving and a Gun Salute will take place in Edinburgh.

“Representatives from many different communities and organisations in Scotland will take part in these historic events.

“People who wish to mark this historic occasion can get involved by watching broadcast coverage or viewing events in person. We will issue more information confirming how members of the public can access events in the coming weeks.”

Background Information

The Stone of Destiny will be in St Giles’ Cathedral for the service. There will also be a fly past by the Red Arrows following the event.

The People’s Procession will include representatives from a wide range of organisations in Scotland including:

Corporal Cruachan IV (a Shetland pony) the mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland
The Robert Gordon’s College Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Pipes and Drums and the Army Cadet Force Military Band
The High Constables (Edinburgh & Leith)
Scottish Youth Parliament
Guide Dogs
Enable Scotland
Scottish Wildlife Trust
The College of Master Kilt Makers
Duke of Edinburgh Awards
Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh
Royal Zoological Society of Edinburgh
Robert Burns Federation
Royal and Ancient Golf Course in St Andrews
The Scottish Tartans Authority
The Royal Scottish Highland Games Association
The Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dance
The Princes Foundation
The Princes Trust
CHAS
RNLI
Samaritans
Girl Guides
Scouts
Boys and Girls Brigade

The Royal Procession will include musical accompaniment from the Royal Marine Band (Scotland) and the Pipes, Drums and Bugles of the 2^nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS).

The Honours of Scotland will be escorted from Edinburgh Castle by The King’s Body Guard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers (known as the Royal Company) and a Guard of Honour formed by contingents of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. The 21 Gun Saluting troop will be 12 Regiment Royal Artillery.

There will be public viewing opportunities along the pavements of the Royal Mile and outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Details of the Order of Service and further information of exact locations and timings will be issued in the coming weeks.

Care Home opens Coronation Garden in celebration of King Charles III

Excitement was in the air at Queens Manor Care Home on Queensferry Road where residents and staff have been busy celebrating the King’s Coronation throughout the weekend.

Staff and residents at the home put their heads together and came up with a plan for their celebrations fit for a King.

Over the bank holiday weekend celebrations were kicked off by welcoming 30 students from Fettes_College into Queens Manor as part of their service day – where they send over 200 students off into the community to give back to and help others, as part of ‘the big help out’.

They helped us get our garden summer ready, provided entertainment for everyone & also spent time chatting, mingling and laughing with residents, visitors and staff at our Royal coffee morning. Thank you to Rhys (Head of Outdoor Pursuits at Fettes) for continually working with us to grow the relationship we have between Queens Manor and the College organising this day.

We then opened our Queens Manor Coronation Garden – named & official opened by our very own Doris. Having watched the garden come together directly outside her bedroom, she advised us of her name suggestion – to which we loved!

The garden features a new garden bench with a plaque commemorating the newly crowned King Charles III and hand crafted, wood burned signage created by our friendly handyman Damyan, alongside our King Charles III rose that we have planted beside the garden.

Joined by members of our local community, the students and staff from Fettes, our community police officers (Paula and Euan), residents, staff & visitors, we had our grand opening.

Our gardener Andy led the way with his pipes, there was a speech from Donna (General Manager) and ribbon cutting by Doris, followed by a beautiful violin recital of God Save The King by Fettes student Ione accompanied by singing by all.

This was topped off by having a cocktail mixology session in our café – the afternoon really couldn’t have been any better!

The weekend came to a close yesterday with a garden party fit for the royals – With a 6 piece saxophone & clarinet band in the morning, a singer in the afternoon, garden games, followed by plenty of fizz & snacks.

The whole home came together to celebrate our new King and talk about the new era the country is entering.

Donna, General Manager at Queens Manor said: “We’ve all had such a brilliant time celebrating the Coronation, such a momentous occasion.

“Many of our staff and residents had never witnessed the coronation, or at least cannot remember it – so it was great to contribute to so many memories. Our in house lifestyle team worked so hard to ensure that everyone could celebrate how they wanted – covering all aspects of mind, body and soul”

Doris Duncanson resident at Queens Manor said: “I really can’t thank the team here enough for helping the idea of ‘The Coronation Garden’ come to life.

“The whole weekend was amazing – from the students from Fettes coming in, officially opening the garden and watching all of the entertainment at Queens Manor throughout the weekend – it’s something I will cherish forever.”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Queens Manor is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Queens Manor provides residential care, dementia carer & respite care.

Coronation: ‘A proud expression of our history, culture and traditions’?

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has ‘issued words’ to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May 2023:

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be a moment of extraordinary national pride.

Together with friends from across the Commonwealth and beyond, we will celebrate the enduring nature of our great monarchy: its constancy, devotion to duty, and service to others.

No other country could put on such a dazzling display – the processions, the pageantry, the ceremonies, and street parties.

But this is not just a spectacle.

It’s a proud expression of our history, culture, and traditions.

A vivid demonstration of the modern character of our country.

And a cherished ritual through which a new era is born.

In the Abbey where monarchs have been crowned for almost a thousand years, representatives of every faith will play a central role for the first time.

And in a fitting tribute to the spirit of service that will define the Carolean Age, people across our country will help their communities with thousands of acts of kindness.

So let’s celebrate this weekend with pride in who we are and what we stand for. Let’s look to the future with hope and optimism.

And let’s make new memories, so we can tell our grandchildren of the day we came together to sing: God Save The King.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack on the Coronation of His Majesty The King Charles III and The Queen Consort:

Huge congratulations to King Charles III and Queen Camilla, ahead of their Coronation later today.

I hope everyone has the chance to come together with friends and family to celebrate what is an incredibly important moment for the whole of the United Kingdom.

Have a fantastic long weekend and please join me in wishing the King and Queen a long and happy reign.

God save the King.

Scotland marks Coronation day

Street parties, gun salutes and charity events to celebrate historic occasion

Events will take place across Scotland to mark the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

There will be gun salutes at Edinburgh and Stirling Castles as well as ceilidhs, street parties and charity events. Big screens will also show the ceremony at locations including Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh and Glasgow Cathedral.

The First Minister, the Lord Advocate and the Permanent Secretary will attend the event at Westminster Abbey.

The King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland at a separate Scottish Service of Dedication and Thanksgiving, which will take place at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh later this year.

First Minister Humza Yousaf – an avowed republican – said: “I will attend the Coronation ceremony as First Minister, on behalf of the Scottish people – and many people across the country will also take part in the celebrations by watching the ceremony on big screens, hosting street parties or taking part in charity or volunteering.

“I look forward to participating in the ceremony when His Majesty is presented with the Honours of Scotland at a Service at St Giles’ Cathedral later this year.

“The King’s longstanding connection to Scotland is well known – through his patronage of many Scottish charities and institutions, including the Prince’s Foundation.

“Queen Camilla has also built strong ties with communities over many years, including through her role as Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen.

“I know many people in Scotland will want to send their best wishes to King Charles III and Queen Camilla on this historic occasion.”

The Royal Standard will fly over St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh for the Coronation weekend.

Further details of the service at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh which will take place later this year, including viewing opportunities for the public, will be issued in the coming weeks.

Coronation of His Majesty The King & Her Majesty The Queen Consort

Coronation Big Lunch

The Big Help Out

Honours of Scotland