Each year Her Majesty spends a week visiting different parts of Scotland, meeting people from all walks of life and hosting thousands at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Known in Scotland as 'Royal Week' and elsewhere as 'Holyrood Week', it’s a chance for The Queen to engage with many people who have made invaluable commitments to good causes and the community, as well as highlight the culture and traditions of Scotland.
For the Army in Scotland, it’s a hugely significant as well as a busy time for supporting their Commander in Chief both in practical and ceremonial preparations.
The arrival expected on Monday 27 June will begin with a Gun Salute from the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle coinciding with a formal military parade and mounting of the Guards of Honour at both the Castle and Holyrood for the ancient tradition of the Ceremony of the Keys when Her Majesty is welcomed by the Lord Provost and she receives the keys to the city.
Rehearsals are already underway involving soldiers from the Royal Regiment of Scotland as well as The Royal Company of Archers, which have been available since 1822 as a personal bodyguard to The Sovereign anywhere in Scotland.
Military musicians play a huge part throughout Royal Week, not only with the parades and Guard Mounting, but also for garden parties and investitures. This year will also play a huge role in this year's Thistle Service when knights of the Ancient Order of The Thistle gather at St Giles for a service on Thursday 30 June.
In past years, Her Majesty has also travelled widely in Scotland during Royal Week – this has included visits to a housing development for veterans, seeing children at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow and opening a technology and innovation centre at Strathclyde University.
