Her Majesty, who has had a busy summer of engagements, investitures, garden parties, and horse racing at Royal Ascot is in Scotland for what is known as Holyrood Week. Today the Queen will begin a busy week of engagements in Scotland, one of her favourite places in the world.
After visiting a high school in Glasgow this morning, she will attend the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh where she will be received by the Guard of Honour. Tomorrow she will visit the Scottish Parliament for a ceremony to mark its 20th Anniversary with Prince Charles, and she is due to attend Canongate Church on Sunday morning, a royal tradition. Next week she will carry out an investiture at Holyroodhouse Palace, a garden party for 8000 guests on Wednesday, and a visit to a city farm in Edinburgh on Thursday.
While the week would be a busy one for anyone, Her Majesty, 93, has long made the annual sojourn around the end of June to connect with the Scottish people. “The itinerary is busy but it’s a lovely mixture of historic and ceremonial engagements,” says a senior aide. “It’s an important week for Her Majesty. She’s the monarch of Scotland and people come from all over the country to see her.”
“The royal family have very close links to Scotland and consider it a second home,” adds another source. “This is a busy week, but the Queen thoroughly enjoys it.”
The Queen will finish her official engagements in mid-July, after a trip to Cambridgeshire when she returns to England. She will be looking forward to her annual holiday to Scotland. The Queen spends the latter part of July, August and September at the Scottish castle where she loves to walk, ride, and entertain family and friends. Nearly all the Queen’s family visits, and it is understood that Her Majesty has invited the Sussexes to enjoy their first family holiday in the Scottish Highlands. “Harry wants Archie to grow up loving the Scottish countryside and learning to fish and hunt there just like he did growing up. He’s a traditionalist in that way,” says a friend.
That trip is set to coincide with Meghan’s 38th birthday on August 4th. According to the Sun, the Queen will host a special birthday tea to celebrate. ”It is testament to Meghan that she has been given this invite,” a source told the newspaper. “It's a huge honour.”
— Our cover story: How Idris Elba became the coolest—and busiest—man in Hollywood
— Matt Lauer, Charlie Rose, and the making of a very Page Six Hamptons summer
— Why are pop stars struggling to top the pop charts?
— Get all the details on Harry and Meghan’s pricey renovations
— Can Democrats win back the internet in the age of Trump?
Looking for more? Sign up for our daily newsletter and never miss a story.
