NOSTALGIA AND EMOTION DURING ROYAL WEEK IN SCOTLANDE

THE KING AND QUEEN CELEBRATE THE FIRST HOLYROOD WEEK OF THEIR REIGN AND THE MONARCH IS BESTOWED WITH HISTORIC SCOTTISH REGALIA

- REBECCA RUSSELL

Scotland has been the setting for some of the most significant changes in King Charles’ life, whether it was learning of the tragic death of Diana, the former Princess of Wales, while he was at Balmoral Castle, or his long-awaited accession when he was called to his mother’s bedside as she drifted away.

This poignant connection was clearly felt last week, as the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death edges ever closer and the King and Queen marked the first Holyrood Week of their new reign.

Also known as Royal Week, the event saw the couple come together with the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay – the Scottish titles for the Prince and Princess of Wales – to carry out a number of engagements, including a Scottish ceremony marking his coronation, and a celebration for the NHS’s 75th birthday.

At the time of her death at Balmoral Castle at the age of 96, Queen Elizabeth II was hailed as the Queen of Scots, and while members of the royal family have carried out official duties in the country since, this marked the first time they had gathered together en masse – making for an emotionally charged few days.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond echoes the sadness the royals must have felt as they returned to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the late Queen’s body lay at rest, and to St Giles’ Cathedral, where her coffin lay in state for people to pay their respects.