The traditional Ceremony of the Keys took place today in the grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
King Charles first greeted senior military commanders before a Royal Salute was performed in his honour.
The monarch then conducted an inspection of the Guard of Honour, which was formed by Balaklava Company from the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Also present at the parade were the Royal Company of Archers, serving as the King’s Bodyguard for Scotland, alongside F Company of the Scots Guards providing a Palace Guard and the High Constables of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Edinburgh’s Lord Provost subsequently offered the ceremonial Keys to the City to the King, following ancient tradition.
The King accepted the symbolic keys before returning them to the city’s safekeeping, a gesture that affirms the monarch’s trust in Edinburgh’s civic authorities.
Musical accompaniment for the occasion was delivered by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The Pipes and Drums of the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland also performed during the ceremony, adding the distinctive sound of Scottish military music to the proceedings in the palace gardens.
Balaklava Company, part of 5 SCOTS, was established as an independent rifle company on 29th June 2013. The unit operates as a contemporary infantry fighting force with full combat capabilities.
The company has seen active service overseas on multiple occasions.
Soldiers from Balaklava Company served a four-month deployment in Afghanistan beginning in December 2015.
They returned to the country in April 2021, operating alongside the 3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland Battlegroup.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland holds the distinction of being the British Army’s senior line infantry regiment, having been established on 28th March 2006.
The regiment currently comprises three Regular battalions, one incremental company and two Reserve battalions.
The Royal Company of Archers has served as the ceremonial Bodyguard for Scotland since King George IV’s visit in 1822.
The organisation carries out duties at state events and formal occasions throughout Scotland.
Members regularly attend the annual Garden Party at Holyroodhouse, where approximately 120 Archers form processional avenues for Royal Family members meeting guests.
The company also stands guard outside St Giles’ Cathedral during the Service of Installation for Knights of the Thistle.
Additional responsibilities include attendance at investitures held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and ceremonies presenting new Colours to Scottish regiments.
