MORE FROM SCOTLAND MAGAZINE
Scotland says farewell to Queen Elizabeth II at St Giles’ Cathedral
A celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s life took place at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on Monday 12 September – read the Order of Service here
On Monday 12 September 2022, thousands of people gathered on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile as they awaited the procession of the Queen’s coffin from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral.
Before the coffin was conveyed to the cathedral, His Majesty The King took part in the symbolic Ceremony of the Keys on the forecourt of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland.
The Ceremony of the Keys, in which the monarch is handed the keys of the city of Edinburgh in a symbolic gesture, is a ceremony that Queen Elizabeth II took part in many times, most recently in June of this year.
Following the ceremony, at 2.25pm, King Charles III, the Queen Consort and other members of the Royal Family followed the Queen’s coffin as it makes its way to St Giles’ Cathedral.
The coffin was flanked by The Royal Company of Archers (The King’s Bodyguard in Scotland) and the Guard of Honour as it proceeded to the cathedral, with guns fired every minute.
On arrival at the cathedral a final round of shots was be fired, and a service of thanksgiving for the life of Her Majesty the Queen took place.
The service was sung by the Choir of the Cathedral and conducted by Mr Michael Harris, the Master of Music, with the organ played by Jordan English, Assistant Organist of St Giles’ Cathedral.
The full Order of Service can be viewed here https://www.royal.uk/sites/default/files/media/order_of_service_1.pdf
After the service, the Queen lay in state in St Giles’ Cathedral with the Royal Company of Archers keeping vigil until Tuesday afternoon, and members of the public were able to pay their respects.
While the coffin lay at rest in Edinburgh, the Crown of Scotland, the centrepiece of the Honours of Scotland (Scotland’s crown Jewels) was placed on top of it before the crown was returned to its home in Edinburgh Castle where it is available to view.
Read more:
Leave your message of condolence for the Royal Family on the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II
SCOTLAND MAGAZINE
Published six times a year, every issue of Scotland showcases its stunning landscapes and natural beauty, and delves deep into Scottish history. From mysterious clans and famous Scots (both past and present), to the hidden histories of the country’s greatest castles and houses, Scotland‘s pages brim with the soul and secrets of the country.
Scotland magazine captures the spirit of this wild and wonderful nation, explores its history and heritage and recommends great places to visit, so you feel at home here, wherever you are in the world.