The Palace of Holyroodhouse becomes the King's temporary royal home during Holyrood Week
King Charles has returned to Edinburgh for his annual Holyrood Week, settling into the Palace of Holyroodhouse — a grand, 289-room royal residence he occupies only briefly each year.
Marking the start of his Scottish summer engagements, the monarch received a regal welcome as he arrived in the capital. Bagpipes filled the air as he was greeted with a Royal Salute and inspected the Guard of Honour from the Royal Company of Archers, his ceremonial bodyguard in Scotland.
One of the highlights of the visit was the historic Ceremony of the Keys. In this symbolic tradition, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh presented the Keys of the City to the King, who then returned them, signifying his trust in the city’s stewardship.
Though rarely visited throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands as King Charles’s official residence in Scotland. Situated at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the palace boasts nearly a thousand years of rich history. Originally a monastery founded in 1128, it was transformed into a royal home in the early 1500s by King James IV.
Later, King James V added the now-iconic tower and redesigned large parts of the palace between 1528 and 1536. Since then, the palace has been a stage for royal milestones, historic upheavals, and architectural evolution.
In the 20th century, King George V and Queen Mary modernised the interiors with bathrooms, lifts, and electricity—ensuring the historic building could meet modern standards while retaining its regal charm.
Today, the palace functions as more than just a stately residence; it serves as the ceremonial heart of the monarchy in Scotland, particularly during Holyrood Week when the King and Queen Camilla host garden parties, investitures, and cultural celebrations.
Though Charles may seldom stay here, the Palace of Holyroodhouse continues to symbolise the Crown’s enduring presence and connection to Scotland.
