KING Charles is set to be presented with the Honours of Scotland on Wednesday at a ceremony in St Giles’ Cathedral.
Many are calling it a “second coronation” or a “mini-coronation”, following the main event in May at Westminster Abbey.
But why is the King getting a second coronation?
The historic event goes back to the time of the Union the of the Crowns in 1603. It will mark Charles not only as the King of England but also King of Great Britain.
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In 1625, when King Charles I had an English coronation at Westminster Abbey, the Scottish Parliament asked that the monarch also be crowned in Scotland. He travelled to Edinburgh in 1633 to be crowned at Holyrood.
The tradition was actually put on hold after the coronation of King George IV in 1822 until it resumed with the late Queen Elizabeth’s crowning in 1953.
The Honours of Scotland – which are kept in the Crown Room of Edinburgh Castle - are the oldest crown jewels in the UK and are comprised of the priceless crown, sceptre and sword of state.
Many will remember the crown sitting atop the Queen’s coffin as she lay in state at St Giles Cathedral.
The crown was made for James V – who was king from September 1513 till his death in 1542 – who first wore it at the coronation of Queen Mary of Guise in 1540.
The sword of state - which has not been used at public events in recent years due to its deteriorating condition - will be replaced this year with a £22,000 sword named The Elizabeth.
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