King Charles III and Queen Consort arrive at Palace of Holyroodhouse for Ceremony of the Keys

King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, have arrived at Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland where Queen Elizabeth is lying at rest.

He is currently greeting members of the public standing behind barriers.

The King will then attend the Ceremony of the Keys.

The monarch is traditionally welcomed to the city of Edinburgh, “[his] ancient and hereditary kingdom of Scotland,” by the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge – the City’s civic head. He will offer Charles the keys to the city, according to the website of the British monarchy.

A view of The Keys of the City of Edinburgh which will be offered to King Charles III during the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Monday.
A view of The Keys of the City of Edinburgh which will be offered to King Charles III during the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Monday. (Peter Byrne/Pool Photo via AP)

The gesture of offering the keys is purely ceremonial, and the King is expected to decline them, with the words: “I return these keys, being perfectly convinced that they cannot be placed in better hands than those of the Lord Provost and Councillors of my good City of Edinburgh.”

The King will later walk behind the Queen’s coffin as it moves in procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St. Giles’ Cathedral.

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