Since Scotland and the United Kingdom had different monarchs until 1603, new coronations were held.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla were crowned this Wednesday (July 5, 2023) in a symbolic ceremony in Edinburgh, Scotland. The event is part of Scottish Royal Week – an annual celebration in which the royal family visits the country to honor local culture and achievements.
The new ceremony is held because Scotland and the United Kingdom had different monarchs until 1603. Since there cannot be two official coronations, Scotland held a symbolic ceremony during Royal Week.
In the morning, the King attended a ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Giles, where he was awarded the “Honors of Scotland” – a collection of the oldest British Crown Jewels dating back to the 16th century.
Among the pieces are the sceptre, the crown of Scotland – made for Scottish King James 5 in 1540 and used at the coronation of Queen Mary in 1543 when she was 9 – and the royal sword –A new one was replaced in honor of Queen Elizabeth II.
When the former monarch dies in September 2022, Charles III takes over as monarch of the United Kingdom and 14 other kingdoms. Participating in a Scottish event is a royal tradition aimed at showing respect for the country’s historical heritage. The official coronation took place in London in May.
