UK
Details revealed for King and Queen’s Scotland coronation celebrations
The timings for Scotland’s celebration of the new King and Queen have been unveiled with the special day less than a week away.
The King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland at a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh during Royal Week on Wednesday 5 July.
The festivities will also include a People’s Procession, a Royal Procession, a 21-gun salute, and a flypast by the Red Arrows.
The famed Stone of Destiny will also be moved from the castle to the cathedral for the service.
The Prince and Princess of Wales – known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland – are also expected to attend events.
The celebrations on Wednesday will begin around lunchtime.
Public viewing areas will be available along the Royal Mile. All those wishing to attend are being urged to arrive early and prepare for changeable weather conditions.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Next week Scotland will welcome the new King and Queen with a series of events to mark their coronation.
“Many different people, charities and organisations from across the country will be involved.
“I will attend the service at St Giles’ Cathedral and I look forward to representing the people of Scotland at this historic event.
“Any members of the public who wish to get involved will be able to follow TV or radio coverage, or view events in person along the Royal Mile.
“Space will be limited so those planning to come should arrive early and be prepared for whatever the weather may hold.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
King and Queen open coronation garden
Read more:
Scotland to mark the coronation of King and Queen
Analysis: Slimmed-down Royal Family now needs to support King more than ever
King honours sailors who played role in late Queen’s funeral
Anti-monarchy campaigners Republic will hold their first protest since the coronation on 6 May, when six demonstrators from the group were arrested.
They have branded the event a “pointless vanity parade”.
The King and Queen at Ascot Racecourse last week
Scottish republican group Our Republic will hold a rally at the Meadows.
Police Scotland said it has been engaging with protest groups ahead of the service.
Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: “Our priority is public safety and a policing plan is in place to maintain people’s safety, ensure the safe delivery of this significant event, enable peaceful protest and minimise disruption.
“Decisions about how to police protests require us to balance complex and often competing rights and issues.”
The King received the St Edward’s Crown during his coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey
He added: “We have a legal duty to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest or counter-protest. Our human rights-based approach and legislation that applies in Scotland is unique amongst UK policing.
“Campaigning and demonstration is a legitimate, necessary and vital part of life. Abusive, threatening behaviour or activity intended to disrupt the event that risks public safety is not legitimate protest.”
Traffic restrictions and temporary road closures will be in place around the Royal Mile and police advise the public to plan ahead.