Ceremony of the Keys (Edinburgh) facts for kids
The Ceremony of the Keys is a very old and special tradition. It happens in Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Scotland. This ceremony takes place when the British monarch, like the King or Queen, arrives to stay at the palace for about a week in July. It's a symbolic way to show who is in charge of the city.
Contents
What is the Ceremony of the Keys?
This ceremony is a formal event that shows respect and trust. It happens right after the monarch arrives at Holyrood Palace. The main idea is about the keys to the city.
The Monarch's Arrival in Edinburgh
When the King or Queen first gets to Holyrood Palace, a special person called the Lord Provost is waiting. The Lord Provost is like the mayor of Edinburgh. They represent the people of the city.
The ceremony happens outside, in front of the palace. It's a very grand moment with lots of tradition.
The Lord Provost's Welcome
The Lord Provost of Edinburgh offers the city's keys to the monarch. This is a very old custom. It shows that the city welcomes the monarch. It also means the city is offering its loyalty.
The Lord Provost says these words:
We, the Lord Provost and the members of the City of Edinburgh Council, welcome Your Majesty to the capital city of your Ancient and Hereditary Kingdom of Scotland and offer for your gracious acceptance the Keys of Your Majesty's good City of Edinburgh.
This means they are welcoming the monarch to Scotland's capital city. They are also offering the keys to show their respect.
The Monarch Returns the Keys
After the Lord Provost offers the keys, the monarch takes them for a moment. Then, the monarch gives the keys right back. This part of the ceremony is very important.
The monarch says:
I return these keys, being perfectly convinced that they cannot be placed in better hands than those of the Lord Provost and Councillors of my good City of Edinburgh.
By returning the keys, the monarch shows trust in the Lord Provost. It means the monarch believes the city's leaders will take good care of Edinburgh. It's a sign of shared responsibility.
Other Key Ceremonies
The Ceremony of the Keys isn't just for the monarch. A similar event also happens at another important time in Scotland.
The Church of Scotland's General Assembly
Each year, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland meets. This is a big meeting for the Church of Scotland. During this time, the monarch has a special representative. This person is called the Lord High Commissioner.
When the Lord High Commissioner arrives, the Lord Provost also offers the keys to them. This shows respect for the monarch's representative. It's another way to honor tradition and the relationship between the city and the Crown.
Why are Keys Important?
In olden times, city gates were locked with big keys. These keys protected the city. Offering the keys meant giving control or showing trust. Today, it's a symbol of welcome and good leadership. It reminds everyone of the long history between the city of Edinburgh and the Scottish Crown.
