The King’s coronation was celebrated by Scotland with pomp, pageantry and prayer as the head of state was presented with the nation’s crown jewels.
Scotland’s people and culture were to the fore during a service of thanksgiving and dedication for the King and Queen staged at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
Charles was presented with the symbols of his authority in Scotland – the Crown, the Sceptre and the Sword of State – known as the Honours of Scotland, as songs were sung in Gaelic and local dialects, and Scottish musicians performed.
Around 650 leading figures from Scotland, and representatives from the nation’s life, gathered at the cathedral for the event which came eight weeks after the King and Queen were crowned in an ancient ceremony at Westminster Abbey where Charles made a pledge to “serve”.
Read More: Thrills... and disappointment on Edinburgh's Royal Mile as crowds await King Charles
Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s First Minister, gave a Bible reading from the Old Testament during the service, Olympic rower Dame Katherine Grainger carried the Sword of State, and also attending were senior figures from the Scottish judiciary, military and uniformed services.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “It was a beautiful service, it had the best of everything Scottish – traditional and modern.
“I think everyone who was there would have been very, very pleased with how it went.”
In her sermon, the Right Reverend Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, delivered a stark environmental message that the planet needed to be safeguarded for future generations and not left “baking to a crisp”.
Read More: Sir Tom Devine: The Honours are authentic symbols of Scottish nationhood and identity
The Prince and Princess of Wales, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, were part of the royal procession and entered the cathedral behind the monarch and his wife, with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh also at the service.
Kate wore a Catherine Walker coat, hat by Philip Treacy and a necklace from the late Queen’s collection, while William was dressed in his RAF No1 uniform.
An anti-monarchy protest was staged close to the cathedral and chants of “not my King” could be heard during the service. At one point republicans were peacefully confronted by royalists before the ceremony began.
Our photographer Colin Mearns was there to capture all the action - check out his best snaps in the gallery above.
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