After her many Platinum Jubilee engagements earlier this month, Queen Elizabeth headed to Scotland for yet another week of royal ceremonies.
The monarch took an overnight trip on the Royal Train to Edinburgh, Scotland on Monday and is scheduled to spend the next several days at her home there, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, as she and other members of the royal family attend to various duties and celebrations. The queen attended the historic Ceremony of the Keys on Monday morning, wearing a light blue coat and matching hat while carrying a bouquet of flower and the walking stick she’s come to rely on in recent months due to ongoing mobility issues. During the ceremony, Queen Elizabeth was given the keys to the city of Edinburgh and welcomed to her “ancient and hereditary kingdom of Scotland.” The royal was also joined at the event by her youngest son, Prince Edward, and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex. As the monarch was presented with the keys on a red velvet cushion, the Royal Highland Fusiliers and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland provided a musical performance.
This ceremony marks the royal’s first public appearance since her Platinum Jubilee, although she did receive guests at her home at Windsor Castle this past week. The palace announced on Monday that the queen will also be attending an Armed Forces Act of Loyalty Parade in the gardens of Holyroodhouse on Tuesday. And, this week, the royals will also host a garden party attended by Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Edward, and Sophie, as well as an investiture ceremony for Scottish people receiving honors from the Queen. The monarch may also hold an audience with the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, but it has yet to be confirmed. As the royal continues to struggle with her mobility, Buckingham Palace is only able to confirm her attendance a few hours prior to these event as it is largely based on how Queen Elizabeth is feeling that day. Last week, however, a royal source confirmed to People that despite these recent health setbacks, the queen is back in the saddle again and riding horses after a brief hiatus due to “discomfort.” They added, “At 96, it’s amazing that the Queen has been on her horse.”
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