Pomp and protest: Crowds gather as King receives Scotland's crown jewels

The King and Queen were presented with the oldest Royal Regalia in Britain, the Honours of Scotland, during a ceremony on Wednesday.

Royal fans and protesters alike arrived early on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile ahead of the ceremony to mark Charles and Camilla’s coronation.

They lined the route the royal procession took to the service of thanksgiving and dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral.

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Each year the monarch traditionally spends a week based at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, known as Holyrood Week or Royal Week in Scotland.

Anti-monarchy groups, including members of Republic, said they would demonstrate the “pointless vanity parade” outside the Cathedral.

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Two women were arrested after allegedly trying to climb over a crowd safety barrier on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile during events to mark the King and Queen’s coronation.

Police Scotland said the women, aged 20 and 21, were arrested in connection with an alleged breach of the peace.

The force posted on Twitter: “Our priority is public safety, balanced against people’s rights.”

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The Honours were collected from Edinburgh Castle by a People’s Procession, involving around 100 people representing aspects of Scottish life.

It was led by The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Shetland pony mascot Corporal Cruachan IV and supported by cadet musicians from the Combined Cadet Force Pipes and Drums, 51 Brigade Cadet Military Band.

The Royal Procession travelled from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the Cathedral with a military escort.

A 21-Gun Salute fired from Edinburgh Castle at the end of the St Giles’ Service, before the Royal Procession headed back to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

First Minister Humza Yousaf previously said: “Scotland will welcome the new King and Queen in July with a series of events to mark the Coronation. A People’s Procession, a Royal Procession, a National Service of Thanksgiving and a Gun Salute will take place in Edinburgh.

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“Representatives from many different communities and organisations in Scotland will take part in these historic events.

“People who wish to mark this historic occasion can get involved by watching broadcast coverage or viewing events in person. We will issue more information confirming how members of the public can access events in the coming weeks.”

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Scottish secretary Alister Jack previously said it was a “huge honour” to attend the service.

“The service in St Giles will be an uplifting and fitting celebration of our new King and Queen, and will reflect the great affection we Scots have for them,” he said.

“I know that thousands of Scots will line the streets of Edinburgh to pay tribute to the King and welcome the Royal Family, once again, to Scotland. It will be a huge honour to attend the service in my role as Secretary of State for Scotland.”

The occasion was coordinated between Police Scotland, the Scottish Government, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, transport agencies and City of Edinburgh Council.

The King’s first post-coronation visit to Scotland marks the first protests by republicans since he was crowned on May 6.

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