Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 2, 2025 · Entertainment

King Charles and Queen Camilla Pay Tribute: A Solemn Memorial for Queen Elizabeth

King Charles III and Queen Camilla unveil a memorial stone in St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

ROYAL WEEK IN SCOTLAND: KING CHARLES AND QUEEN CAMILLA MAKE MEMORABLE APPEARANCES

It's been a week of grandeur and pomp in Scotland as King Charles and Queen Camilla embarked on their traditional Royal Week tour. The monarchs have been making headlines with their various engagements, but it was their moving visit to Edinburgh's St Giles' Cathedral that truly stole the show.

On Wednesday, the couple unveiled a memorial stone marking the spot where Queen Elizabeth's coffin lay in 2022. It was a poignant moment for King Charles and Queen Camilla as they honored the memory of their beloved monarch. The stone is engraved with the Scottish crown and ER cypher, a beautiful tribute to Her Late Majesty.

King Charles attends a Vigil at St Giles' Cathedral, in Edinburgh, on September 12, 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022

The service of dedication was led by Rev Dr Scott Rennie, Minister of St Giles', who praised Queen Elizabeth's life of "deep faith, humble service, and unwavering devotion to duty." He also called on those in attendance to live lives of self-giving love, steadfast devotion, and commitment to the common good. The message resonated deeply with the royal couple, who were visibly moved by the ceremony.

The memorial stone is a permanent fixture at St Giles' Cathedral, located near the Holy Table where Queen Elizabeth's coffin lay during her vigil in 2022. It was a moment of national mourning as over 33,000 people queued to pay their respects to the late monarch. The Royal Company of Archers, the Sovereign's Bodyguard in Scotland, were present at the time, and some of the same officers were on duty today.

King Charles and Queen Camilla were met with warm applause as they arrived at St Giles' Cathedral, where they were greeted by Rev Dr Scott Rennie and other dignitaries. The King, dressed in a dapper brown overcoat, looked every inch the monarch as he inspected the memorial stone. He was accompanied by his wife, who wore a stunning tartan coat and hat.

King Charles and Queen Camilla unveil a memorial stone in St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, where Queen Elizabeth II lay at rest before being carried to London, as part of their trip to Scotland for Holyrood Week

But it wasn't just the solemn ceremony that caught our attention – we also got a glimpse of the royal couple's lighter side! During their visit to Kirkcaldy Art Gallery earlier in the day, King Charles chatted with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, while Queen Camilla made time for well-wishers, including Campbell Archibald, who sported an impressive tartan twill.

Later that day, the royal couple visited Ratho Library on the outskirts of Edinburgh, where they heard about a new research project commissioned by Queen Camilla's charity. The study showed that just ten minutes of reading per day can reduce stress levels by 20%, a statistic that left everyone in attendance feeling inspired to grab a book!

As Royal Week continues, we're getting a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work of the royal family. Yesterday, Princess Anne joined King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Sovereign's Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. It was a joyous occasion, with the Princess Royal chatting with well-wishers and inspecting the Guard of Honour.

The memorial stone for Queen Elizabeth II in St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

But it wasn't all pomp and circumstance – we also spotted some controversy on the sidelines! Campaigners from anti-monarchy group Republic unfurled a banner reading "Not My King" in Holyrood Park overlooking the garden party. It was a subtle but pointed message that didn't go unnoticed by the royal couple, who were reportedly aware of the protest but chose to ignore it.

Throughout their tour, King Charles and Queen Camilla have been carrying out various engagements, from visiting local charities to attending community receptions. They've even found time for some light-hearted moments, including a sweet exchange between the King and a toddler waiting to greet him in Kirkcaldy.

As we continue to follow Royal Week, one thing is clear: this royal couple is making waves with their dignified yet down-to-earth approach to monarchy. Long live the King (and Queen!)

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive to unveil a memorial stone in St Giles Cathedral

King Charles greeted former Prime Minister Gordon Brown during a visit to Kirkcaldy Art Gallery in Scotland today

Queen Camilla joined Charles to unveil a Commemorative Cairn to mark the centenary of the Kirkcaldy War Memorial

The monarch warmly greeted a young child who waited in the rain with her mother to meet the royal

Charles shared a giggle with a young child during the visit to Kirkcaldy, Fife, as part of Holyrood Week

The rain didn't deter members of the public from queuing up to catch a glimpse of the royals during their trip

Camilla gladly accepted a bunch of brightly coloured flowers from a young boy waiting in the crowd

Pictured: King Charles and Queen Camilla arriving to unveil a Commemorative Cairn to mark the centenary of the Kirkcaldy War Memorial

Before greeting the young child, the 76-year-old royal chatted with her mother and shook her hand

Camilla worked her way through the crowds, and received a special gift from one young boy waiting for her

Camilla put on a chic display in a longline blue coat with a brown mac over the top to protect her from the showers

A mother held her young daughter out to Queen Camilla, who appeared delighted to greet the child

The monarch looked dapper in a smart, brown overcoat, grey suit trousers, and a pair brown brogues

Pictured: King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive to unveil a Commemorative Cairn to mark the centenary of the Kirkcaldy War Memorial

During the visit on Wednesday, Charles laid a wreath at Kirkcaldy War Memorial, as part of his trip to Scotland for Holyrood Week

Pictured: King Charles observed a minute silence after laying a wreath at Kirkcaldy War Memorial

Camilla completed her ensemble by adding a string of pearls around her neck and matching pearl drop earrings

Charles appeared in high spirits as he greeted Gordon Brown with a firm handshake in Scotland today

Charles greeted the former UK Prime Minister during a visit to Kirkcaldy Art Gallery on Wednesday

The monarch greeted cadets when visiting Kirkcaldy to unveil a Commemorative Cairn to mark the centenary of the Kirkcaldy War Memorial

The father-of-two pinned a pastel pink flower to his monochrome blazer for today's events in Scotland