King Charles greets crowds as Scotland's royal week begins

King Charles III was greeted by crowds as he arrived in Scotland for a special week of events.

He met two Fair Queens in Bo'ness, Falkirk, before travelling to Edinburgh where he was presented with the keys to the city.

Earlier a practice procession was held in the capital's Old Town ahead of a special ceremony of thanksgiving.

King Charles will be presented with the Scottish crown jewels during the event at St Giles' Cathedral on Wednesday.

The celebrations mark the first Holyrood Week since his coronation in May.

Among those who met the King on Monday was Bo'ness Fair Queen, Lexi Scotland, who was wearing her ceremonial robes and a crown.

She was joined by May Garrow, 99, who won the title in 1936.

Afterwards Ms Garrow said: "I've never actually shook hands with him before. I'll not wash that hand anymore."

The King then met with Sustainable Thinking Scotland, which operates from Kinneil House on the outskirts of the town.

The organisation grows sustainable food which in turn is given for food parcels.

Later the King took part in the Ceremony of the Keys on the Palace of Holyroodhouse forecourt before he joined former Royal Yacht Britannia sailors in reviving an old navy tradition.

The King drank a tot of rum as he returned to the vessel the Royal Family called home at its dock in Leith.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are also expected to visit the Great Tapestry of Scotland, seeing a newly stitched panel dedicated to the couple.

Before the service at St Giles' on Wednesday, there will be both a royal procession and a people's procession along the Royal Mile.

The people's procession will consist of about 100 people representing different aspects of Scottish life.

The Stone of Destiny will be present at the ceremony in St Giles' Cathedral, where the King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland.

Afterwards there will be a gun salute at Edinburgh Castle and a flypast by the Red Arrows.

Each year the monarch traditionally spends a week based at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, known as Holyrood Week or Royal Week in Scotland.

Edinburgh City Council has said those wishing to view the processions should plan ahead.

Lord lieutenant Robert Aldridge said: "The eyes of the world will be upon us once again as we mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla."

He warned residents to expect disruption across the city, particularly in the Old Town.

"We're working with our partners to manage this as best we can and to keep residents, businesses and visitors updated on the events," he added.

"For those who wish to enjoy the royal and people's processions, I urge you to please plan ahead and keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the latest advice and guidance."

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