King attends Ceremony of the Keys as Royal Week gets under way in Scotland

The traditional Ceremony of the Keys has taken place in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, marking the start of Royal Week.

The King attended the ceremony on Tuesday morning and was presented with the keys to Edinburgh, which he returned for safe keeping.

After Charles arrived by helicopter, a guard of honour was provided by Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Also on parade were the King’s bodyguard for Scotland – the Royal Company of Archers.

Music was provided by the band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Pipes and Drums of 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Charles met senior military figures and received a royal salute during the ceremony.

Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge presented the keys to the King, holding them on a red cushion.

Mr Aldridge said: “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.”

In return, Charles gave the traditional reply: “I return these keys 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 King traditionally spends a week based at the Palace of Holyroodhouse each year for what is known as Holyrood Week, or Royal Week, in Scotland.

The palace is his official residence in the Scottish capital.