Ceremony of the Keys (Edinburgh) facts for kids
The Ceremony of the Keys is a very old and important tradition held in Edinburgh, Scotland. It happens at Holyrood Palace, which is the official home of the British monarch when they visit Scotland. This special event takes place at the beginning of the monarch's week-long stay in Edinburgh, usually in July. It's a symbolic way to welcome the monarch to the city.
What is the Ceremony of the Keys?
The Ceremony of the Keys is a formal event where the Lord Provost, who is like the mayor of Edinburgh, offers the keys to the city to the British monarch. This happens in the courtyard of Holyrood Palace. It's a way of showing respect and welcoming the monarch to their "Ancient and Hereditary Kingdom of Scotland."
The Welcome and the Return
During the ceremony, the Lord Provost speaks to the monarch. They say that the City of Edinburgh Council welcomes the monarch to the capital city. They then offer the keys of the city for the monarch to accept.
After this, the monarch takes the keys for a moment. Then, they give the keys back to the Lord Provost. The monarch explains that they are sure the keys are in the best hands with the Lord Provost and the city's councillors. This shows trust in the city's leaders to continue looking after Edinburgh.
Another Ceremony of the Keys
There is also another Ceremony of the Keys that takes place in Edinburgh. This one happens at the start of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. In this ceremony, the Lord High Commissioner receives the keys from the Lord Provost. The Lord High Commissioner is a special representative of the monarch for the Church of Scotland. This shows the close connection between the monarch and the Church in Scotland.
