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