King Charles III has unveiled a striking new bronze lion statue in Edinburgh to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, recognizing the regiment's long-standing service and rich military heritage.
The ceremony took place on Wednesday at West Princes Street Gardens, where the King, who serves as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, paid tribute to the soldiers and the regiment's historic legacy.
Photos from the event were shared on the British royal family's official Instagram account, showing the monarch unveiling the monument during the commemorative ceremony.
In its caption, the Palace wrote: "As Colonel-in-Chief, The King unveils a statue at West Princes Street Gardens to mark the 20th anniversary of the Royal Regiment of Scotland."
During his address, King Charles reflected on the significance of the milestone, saying:
"It is a moment to reflect on two decades of service, as well as to honour a lineage that stretches unbroken from 1633 from your antecedent regiments, some represented here today, that now form this great Regiment. That continuity is a living testament to duty, resilience, and unwavering commitment."
The newly unveiled memorial features a bronze lion resting protectively beside the regiment's cap badge, symbolizing courage, unity, and enduring service.
According to Buckingham Palace, the sculpture was designed by Edinburgh-based artist Kenny Hunter. The lion stands on a plinth made up of six individual sections, representing Scotland's six historic infantry regiments that were brought together to form the Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006.
The monument serves as a lasting tribute to the regiment's proud history while celebrating two decades of dedication and service to the nation.
