Charles III and Camilla - Royal visit to Scotland by helicopter
King Charles III. (75), who has been taking on more public engagements despite his cancer treatment, arrived in Edinburgh with Queen Camilla (76) for an official visit to Scotland. According to British media reports, the royal couple reportedly traveled from Birkhall using a helicopter. They are said to have spent the weekend beforehand at Charles' Scottish residence.
Charles opens Holyrood Week
The official visit takes place during the traditional Holyrood Week, during which King Charles III. spends several days in Scotland every year. However, due to a parliamentary election in Britain on July 4, this year's visit is reportedly two days shorter than usual. The royal family has rescheduled some engagements to avoid giving the impression of being distracted by the election campaign, according to the British BBC.
At the beginning of the visit, on July 2, the King symbolically received the keys of the city of Edinburgh, marking the official start of Holyrood Week. King Charles III. also inspected an honor guard during a military ceremony in the garden of the Holyrood Palace - the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
Royal garden party and a great honor
While the Queen gives a reception, with authors and booksellers among the attendees, the King conducts an investiture ceremony. Charles and Camilla are expected to be joined by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (Prince Edward, 60, and Sophie, 59) at a later garden party on Tuesday.
For Wednesday, a ceremony at St. Giles' Cathedral is planned, during which both the royal couple and Prince William (42) are expected to participate. Camilla and Edward are reportedly to be invested in the Thistle Order (Order of the Thistle). The investiture into the highest Scottish knightly order is decided by the King. A celebration at Edinburgh Castle marks the end of the visit in connection with the city's jubilee.
King Charles III. and Queen Camilla enjoyed their weekend in Edinburgh, spending it at Charles' Scottish residence before their official visit. The royal couple, including King Charles III., embarked on their journey from Birkhall to Holyrood Palace using a helicopter.
The visit coincides with Holyrood Week, where King Charles III. spends several days annually in Scotland, despite the reduced duration due to a British parliamentary election on July 4. The royal family carefully rescheduled their engagements to avoid appearing distracted by the election campaign.
Upon arrival, King Charles III. symbolically received the keys of the city of Edinburgh, marking the commencement of Holyrood Week. He then inspected an honor guard during a military ceremony in Holyrood Palace's garden.
Camilla will give a reception at the palace, welcoming authors and booksellers, while King Charles III. conducts an investiture ceremony. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are expected to attend a later garden party hosted by the royal couple.
A ceremony at St. Giles' Cathedral on Wednesday features the participation of both the royal couple and Prince William. Camilla and Edward are reportedly to be invested into the Thistle Order, an honor decided by King Charles III., before the visit concludes with a celebration at Edinburgh Castle.
