REPUBLICAN campaign groups have confirmed plans to protest against the monarchy when King Charles and Camilla visit Edinburgh next month.
Charles and Camilla will be going to St Giles Cathedral for a special service on July 5 where the Honours of Scotland – the oldest crown jewels in Britain – will be presented to the King.
The event will involve him and his wife Camilla being escorted from Edinburgh Castle – where the crown jewels are held – to the cathedral by a people’s procession of about 100 representatives from across Scotland.
Anti-monarchy campaign group Republic has now confirmed it will be staging a demonstration on the day outside the cathedral in an act of defiance following the arrest a group of its members at the coronation in London last month.
The Metropolitan Police subsequently released the group and said its actions were regrettable.
A “good turnout" is expected for the event, the group has said.
Republic – which has the support of 130,000 people – will be collaborating with Scottish anti-royal group Our Republic, which is organising a rally in the Meadows shortly after the protest.
Graham Smith, Republic CEO, said he is determined to make sure anti-monarchist voices are heard at the “pointless” event.
He 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% 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?"
Further details are set to be released in the coming days.
The royals received widespread criticism last week when Camilla was brought into the Order of the Thistle – Scotland's highest royal honour. It “recognises Scottish men and women who have held public office or who have contributed in a particular way to national life”.
The St Giles event is expected to be similar to the thanksgiving service held in 1953 during the late Queen Elizabeth’s first visit to Scotland following her coronation.
The Stone of Destiny is expected to be a key part of the event.
