Anti-monarchy protestors have been spotted on the Royal Mile on Wednesday morning as anticipation builds ahead of a special service to present King Charles III with the crown jewels in Edinburgh.
Members of the campaign group Republic are demonstrating against the “pointless vanity parade” outside St Giles' Cathedral. Scottish republican group Our Republic, meanwhile, will hold a rally at the Meadows later on.
At 10am, crowds are already starting to gather along the Royal Mile for a chance to see the King and Queen who will be part of the Royal Procession from 2.05pm.
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However, yellow banners that read 'Not my King' can be spotted in the high street amongst the supporters. Meanwhile, a small gathering of counter-protests have joined waving union flags shouting 'long live the King'.
This is Republic’s first protest since the coronation itself on May 6, when six demonstrators from the group were arrested.
Graham Smith, of Republic, said: “We are back. We will not be deterred from protesting by the arrests at the coronation, and will continue to make the voices of millions of republicans heard around the UK.
“This pointless vanity parade in Edinburgh will cost Scottish taxpayers millions of pounds, and for what? So Charles can once again be centre of attention for a day.
“Everyone in the UK should have the right to choose our head of state – not be told it will be Charles. Charles does not represent the people of Scotland any more than he represents the rest of the UK.
“Fewer than 10 per cent of people in Britain were enthusiastic about the coronation. It’s unlikely Scots will be that interested in this farcical ceremony.
“Shouldn’t we instead be celebrating ordinary people, people who have achieved something, and the power of people to govern ourselves and shape our own lives?”
You can follow our live blog of the day's events here.
