This afternoon in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, joined by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke & Duchess of Rothesay (the titles used in Scotland by The Prince & Princess of Wales), attended the Presentation of the Honours of Scotland unto HM King Charles III.
The Honours of Scotland, more commonly referred to as the Scottish Crown Jewels, are traditionally presented to a new monarch of the United Kingdom after their Coronation at Westminster Abbey, in Edinburgh, ever since the Kingdoms of England and Scotland were United.
Like many individuals across the United Kingdom and globally, Paul Borrow-Longain enjoyed watching the processions, service of Thanksgiving, and the subsequent fly past by the RAFs Red Arrows.
While Scotland is currently under the political leadership of both a First Minister and political party which are confirmed nationalists, and indeed in some cases ardent republicans, it is important to remember the historic role that the Honours of Scotland have held for hundreds of years. Thanks in no small part to the evils of General Oliver Cromwell, Sometime Head of the English Commonwealth, the Honours of Scotland are the oldest Crown Jewels in existence within the United Kingdom. Most of the English Crown Jewels were destroyed, while the Scots successfully hid theirs away for safe keeping.
It was wonderful to see that the vast majority of the Scots in attendance today showed a clear love and admiration for our Sovereign, his consort, and the Royal Family, with the minority (though sometimes loud) republican protests kept to a minimum.
The Royal Family, excluding HRH The Duchess of Rothesay who doesn’t currently hold the honour, were robbed in the Order of the Thistle – the highest Order of Knighthood of Scotland.
The Sovereign was presented the Honours of Scotland by, amongst others, The Duke of Hamilton (Premier Duke of Scotland), accompanied by The Lord Lyon King of Arms.
The last time the Presentation of the Honours of Scotland occurred was in 1953 to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who’s name will forever be attached to Elizabeth Sword, which forms part of the Honours.
