Charles presented with Scotland's crown jewels - four arrested as protesters shout 'not my king'
The festivities in the city included a national service of thanksgiving at St Giles' Cathedral, a people's procession, a royal procession, a 21-gun salute, and a flypast by the Red Arrows.
Thursday 6 July 2023 08:47, UK
Thousands of royal fans packed the streets of Edinburgh as the King received Scotland's crown jewels in St Giles' Cathedral - but outside four people were arrested while protesters shouted "not my king".
King Charles was presented with the Honours of Scotland at a national service of thanksgiving.
The festivities in the city for the new King and Queen also included a people's procession, a royal procession, a 21-gun salute, and a flypast by the Red Arrows.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, attended the ceremony.
Outside the service, anti-monarchy protesters shouted: "Not my king."
Two women, aged 21 and 22, were arrested and later charged over an alleged breach of the peace, after reportedly trying to get over the safety barriers outside.
A man was arrested over an alleged theft, while another man was arrested in connection with an outstanding warrant.
Three men and a woman were also detained for alleged threatening behaviour and failing to desist. They were later issued with a recorded police warning.
Stevie Small, performance director of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, marched on behalf of the Atholl Highlanders as part of the people's procession.
He said Scotland knows how to host an event, adding: "It's been amazing. No one does a state ceremony better than we do.
"I've met Charles a couple of times and he's absolutely charming. He is going to lead us well."
Janette Pollock and Liz Lindsay, from Edinburgh, watched the late Queen Elizabeth's coronation when they were youngsters and were now making memories with the new King's ceremony.
Ms Pollock said: "We wanted to be part of this living history. It's been beautiful and it's nice that we've been able to hear the service while outside.
"Charles cares about a lot of people, he's got a very caring attitude and has done a lot of good. He's going to be a good king."
The service featured centuries-old aspects of Scottish royal tradition along with new additions such as pieces of music written for the occasion, a psalm sung in Gaelic and the use of passages from the New Testament in Scots.
During the ceremony, the sceptre and crown from the Honours of Scotland were presented to the King, along with the new Elizabeth Sword which was carried by Olympic rower Dame Katherine Grainger.
Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf also gave a reading during the service.
The Right Reverend Sally Foster-Fulton, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, delivered the sermon, which took the environment as one of its themes.
She told the congregation that society will be on the "right track" if we understand that "the Heavens and Earth" are not "human commodities or possessions".
Protesters set up camp along the Royal Mile, chanting "not my king" to the surrounding crowd.
Demonstrator Evie Smith, who lives on the Royal Mile, does not believe the monarchy should be abolished but would like to see the royals put more money "back into the country".
She said: "Some people can't even afford a Sunday dinner. Others like nurses are also looking for better pay.
"I would like to see [the royals] give significantly more back, as well as all the billionaires."
Fellow demonstrator Gary Gilbert, from Leith, said in a 21st century Scotland there should be a democratically elected head of state.
He added: "[The royals] shouldn't be getting any money from the taxpayer in the first place. That money could be put to better use, like towards nurses. In my opinion, this is outrageous."
Carolyn Carr, from Glenrothes in Fife, said: "This is a moment in time. The atmosphere has been brilliant, and we've been chatting to everyone.
"I think Charles will be a great king. He's a climate change [champion] and has been speaking about that for the last 40 years."
Read more:
The King meets young 'queen' on his first Scottish visit post-coronation
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King to receive new sword named after Queen Elizabeth II
Karleen McMahon and her family, who are visiting from Melbourne in Australia, said the celebration was a big "surprise".
The family have been touring the UK and have been to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
Ms McMahon said: "My daughter, Elyse, has been wanting to see the King and Queen. They weren't at Buckingham and they weren't at Windsor, so it's nice we're going to be seeing them here in Edinburgh."
The Fisher clan, from Toronto in Canada, were in Scotland to explore the family's roots.
Katherine Fisher said: "I've even got the Scottish red hair."
The family said they were "excited" to be a part of the royal celebrations. Ms Fisher said: "He's our king too. Today is going to be a lot of fun."
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