Nestled at the end of Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly known as Holyrood Palace, stands as the official residence of the British Monarch in Scotland. One of the most symbolic ceremonies associated with the palace is the Ceremony of the Keys, a timeless tradition that reaffirms the historic relationship between the Monarch and the City of Edinburgh.
King Charles III taking part in the Ceremony of the Keys. (Royal Family).
Holyrood Palace has served as a key Royal Residence since the 16th century, during the reign of James IV. As the Monarch arrives in Edinburgh for Royal duties or their annual Holyrood Week in July, this symbolic ceremony welcomes the monarch to the Scottish capital.
The event highlights the role of Edinburgh’s Lord Provost (the civic leader and figurehead of the city), who acts as the ceremonial guardian of the city’s keys. It is both a formal greeting and a moment of historic pageantry, where sovereignty, tradition, and civic pride unite.
Elizabeth II attending the Ceremony of the Keys at Holyroodhouse (Royal Family)
The Ceremony of the Keys is traditionally held at the gates of Holyrood Palace as the Monarch arrives to begin their stay. The ceremony is a mark of respect and a symbolic exchange of power. Here is how the event typically proceeds:
– The Welcome: The Lord Provost of Edinburgh formally welcomes the monarch at the gates of Holyrood Palace. Wearing ceremonial robes, the Lord Provost carries the Keys of the City of Edinburgh.
– The Presentation of the Keys: As part of the ritual, the Lord Provost presents the keys to the monarch with a formal address: “We, the Lord Provost and the members of the City of Edinburgh Council, welcome Your Majesty to the capital city of your Ancient and Hereditary Kingdom of Scotland and offer for your gracious acceptance the Keys of Your Majesty’s good City of Edinburgh.”
– The Response: The monarch accepts the keys, symbolising their position as the city’s sovereign. However, in a traditional and symbolic gesture, they return the keys to the Lord Provost 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.”
This exchange is not only ceremonial but also a reminder of the enduring trust between the Crown and the City of Edinburgh.
The Queen, accompanied by Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge, at the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh
The keys presented in the ceremony symbolise the responsibility of the Lord Provost and the people of Edinburgh to safeguard their city and its heritage.
Today, the Ceremony of the Keys remains a highlight of Holyrood Week, a time when the Monarch celebrates Scottish culture and community. The Ceremony is also held at the start of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland when the Lord High Commissioner, as the Monarch’s representative, receives the keys.
Though rooted in history, the event has continued to evolve as a cherished public tradition, drawing onlookers and fostering pride among Edinburgh’s residents.
