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The Queen looked smitten in an elegant blue ensemble as she appeared alongside the Prince of Wales for a military parade at the Palace of Holyroodhouse today.
In the gardens of the Edinburgh Residence, more than 300 officers and archers from the Queen’s Body Guard for Scotland took part in the Reddendo parade, watched by Her Majesty, 96, carrying her now-customary walking stick, and Prince Charles.
The Royal Company of Archers act as the Sovereign’s ceremonial bodyguard for Scotland – a role first created in 1822 during a visit to Scotland by King George IV.
During the ceremony, the Queen and Charles, also known in Scotland by his title Duke of Rothesay, arrived at Equerry’s Door and were received in the garden by the Captain-General of the Royal Company of Archers, the Duke of Buccleuch. before a royal salute is received.
The event is the largest gathering of the Sovereign’s Guard in history, with 25 officers and 298 archers.
The Queen has been represented by her children, the Prince of Wales, Princess Anne and Prince Edward, at a number of engagements during Holyrood Week so far, including the Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Order of the Thistle.
Radiant blue! The Queen smiles as she takes part in the Royal Company of Archers’ Reddendo parade in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Queen looked delighted as she appeared alongside the Prince of Wales for a military parade at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
In the gardens of the Edinburgh Residence, more than 300 officers and archers from the Queen’s Life Guards for Scotland took part in the Reddendo Parade, watched by the Queen and Prince of Wales
The Prince of Wales, known in Scotland as the Duke of Rothesay, and the Queen stand side by side at today’s event
During today’s outing, the Prince inspected the royal company with the parade commander and the Queen was presented with a Reddendo, a gift from the officers and archers to mark the 200th anniversary of the Queen’s Life Guards for Scotland.
In centuries past, the reddendo presented to the monarch was a pair of arrows on a velvet cushion, but on the three occasions the Queen received the gift it was replaced by more practical items – a brooch in 1952, a glass vase in 1976 and more a pen tray in 2006.
The Reddendo is presented in the traditional words of the Captain-General: “In accordance with our ancient charter, I present the Reddendo to Your Majesty, longing that Her Majesty will be graciously pleased to continue your royal visage and acknowledgment of all the ancient rights and privileges of the Royal Company of Archers, Her Majesty’s Guards for Scotland.’
On Tuesday, the monarch met with members of the armed forces during a loyalty parade in the gardens of Holyroodhouse Palace to celebrate her traditional visit to Scotland and celebrate her platinum anniversary.
During today’s outing, the Prince inspected the royal company with the parade commander and the Queen was presented with a Reddendo, a gift from the officers and archers to mark the 200th anniversary of the Queen’s Life Guards for Scotland
The Duke of Buccleuch and Queen Elizabeth II attend the Reddendo parade of the Queen’s Body Guard for Scotland (aka the Royal Company of Archers) in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Laughed a lot! The Queen and Prince Charles could be seen smiling and chatting to each other during today’s occasion
Due to her mobility issues, the Queen has reduced her public appearances and was last seen during her Platinum Jubilee weekend earlier this month ahead of her visit to Scotland for Holyrood Week.
According to Buckingham Palace, Holyrood Week is an “an opportunity for the Queen and members of the Royal Family to visit different regions of Scotland, meet Scots from all walks of life and receive thousands at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in recognition of their good work”.
It started on Monday with the key ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
During the ceremony, on the day of the Queen’s arrival, the Lord Provost symbolically presented her with the keys to the city of Edinburgh.
The Duke of Buccleuch presents a Redendo to Queen Elizabeth II as they take part in the Queen’s Bodyguard for Scotland
The Queen seemingly couldn’t help but smile as she attended the unique military event alongside Prince Charles this afternoon
Video of the Queen (pictured right) on arrival in Scotland showed her waving to fans and easily navigating the rebound steps as she disembarked unaided, despite mobility issues which meant she reduced public appearances
The video showed a royal assistant standing ready to help Her Majesty down the steps to the platform, but the monarch (pictured) descended the steps unaided
Tradition dictates that the monarch returns them and entrusts their safekeeping to the city’s elected officials.
Video of the Queen on arrival in Scotland showed her waving to fans and easily navigating the rebound steps as she disembarked unaided, despite mobility issues which had meant she had reduced her public appearances.
The video showed a royal assistant standing ready to help Her Majesty down the steps to the platform, but the monarch descended the steps unaided.
