A massive security operation is under way as Edinburgh prepares for King Charles' 'second Coronation', looking to prevent anti-monarchy groups from ruining the event.
The King is set to be presented with the Honours of Scotland, Britain's oldest crown jewels. Held at St Giles Cathedral, Police Scotland have put precautions in place after receiving intelligence suggesting protestors may try and disrupt the event.
Anti-terror measures have been put in place at the Cathedral with officials also lifting the floor to search for dangerous devices, reports the Mirror. Sections of the Royal Mile will be cordoned off, from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
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ACC Tim Mairs said: “Abusive, threatening behaviour or activity intended to disrupt the event that risks public safety is not a legitimate protest.”
Campaign group Republic issued a document that pinpoints public protest sites and explains breach of the peace law. Our Republic, which campaigns for an elected head of state also said it would be holding a rally throughout the event.
The group stated: “As Charles claims the honours he feels entitled to, we will be the reminder that Scotland has never been asked to consent to his rule.”
The new monarch will also receive a new sword of state and the ancient Crown of Scotland which are kept in Edinburgh Castle. The historical occasion will also be attended by Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales, less commonly known in Scotland as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
Charles ordered for the service to include a psalm sung in Gaelic and passages read out in the Scots language. The famed Stone of Destiny will also be moved from Edinburgh Castle to the cathedral for the service too.
The King who has strong connections to Scotland having attended the prestigious Gordonstoun boarding school in Moray has also organised three young pipers from his old school who will star at the ceremony. Hamish Martindale, 16, Patrick Blair, 18, and Elspeth Spencer Jones, 18, will all pipe when the Scottish Honours arrive at St Giles’.
They are set to play Scotland The Brave and then Bonnie Lass O Fyvie, after the school was informed that the piece which is about a thwarted romance between a soldier and a girl, is one of the monarch's favourites. Thousands of royal fans and well-wishes are expected to line the streets of Edinburgh to watch the ‘People’s Procession’ ahead of the service.
The parade, between Edinburgh Castle and St Giles' Cathedral will begin at 1:15pm and be led by Shetland pony Corporal Cruachan IV, The Royal Regiment of Scotland’s mascot, and supported by cadet musicians. It will also consist of representatives from numerous charities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and the Prince's Trust as well as youngsters from Girlguiding, Scouts and the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades.
The King will leave Holyroodhouse at 2:05pm as part of a Royal Procession that will travel up the Royal Mile. Our Republic has commanded its campaigners to ‘direct their energy at that procession and not the People’s Procession’.
The Very Reverend Professor David Fergusson, Dean of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal in Scotland, who will conduct the service at St Giles’, said: “It’s very much a celebration that will involve people from all around Scotland, a service of thanksgiving for what we hold in common and a service of dedication in which we will dedicate ourselves again to the common good of our country.”
