As her son King Charles and his brothers looked on, the Crown of Scotland was today affixed to Her Majesty’s casket in Edinburgh’s St Giles Cathedral.
The solemn event occurred at the ceremony this afternoon in the centre of the Scottish capital.
The centrepiece of the Honours of Scotland, the oldest Crown jewels in Britain and among the oldest in Europe, is a crown made of gold, silver, and priceless gems.
The present version of the crown was created in 1540 for King James V of Scotland. The crown was first represented as being worn by King James IV in 1503, at that time.
Following being transported to the church from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where she had been resting after a six-hour trip from Balmoral yesterday, the Queen’s coffin was decorated with a crown.
Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Princess Anne, King Charles III, and the Queen Consort Camilla all saw the dramatic events.
The Crown of Scotland will be brought back to Edinburgh Castle in time for the site’s Wednesday reopening, where it is typically on display.
It is being cared for by Historic Environment Scotland on behalf of the Commissioners for the Keeping of the Regalia while it is on loan to them.
John Mosman, an Edinburgh goldsmith, created the crown’s present design. It weighs 3.6 lbs (1.6 kg).
The first time James wore it was in 1540, during the crowning of his spouse at Holyrood Abbey Church in Edinburgh.
With 22 jewels and 20 precious stones from the original crown, the “circle” at its base is crafted from Scottish gold.
It also has pearls from Scottish rivers.
When Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned for the first time in 1543, she was only nine months old. The Honours of Scotland were first used together.
They were again used in 1633 at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for the coronations of her grandson Charles I and her son James VI, who later became James I of England.
Oliver Cromwell was able to win the Battle of Dunbar in 1650 and go on to occupy Edinburgh Castle, but he was unable to thwart Charles II’s coronation in Scotland in 1651.
After the monarchy was restored in England in 1660, Charles II—the son of the assassinated Charles I—also ascended the throne.
Cromwell chased the Scottish Crown Jewels to Dunnottar Castle near Aberdeen because he was intended to destroy them.
They were afterwards hidden until Charles II’s restoration after being secretly removed. After then, no sovereign was ever crowned using the honours again.
After the Act of Union in 1707, the honours had no ceremonial function and were thus hidden away in Edinburgh Castle.
They were taken out of the castle during the Second World War and buried in different places for safety in case the nation was attacked.
At order for the Honours to be properly delivered to the Queen after her coronation in Westminster Abbey, they were taken out of the Castle in 1953.
For anyone wishing to see the Queen’s coffin while it is in St Giles’, special wristbands will be given out, and a line will form at George Square Lane/North Meadow Walk in Edinburgh’s Meadows neighbourhood.
Only those wearing wristbands will be granted entry, and flowers cannot be taken inside.
Everyone who intends to attend is advised to prepare for lengthy lines and airport-style security checks.
In order to let as many people as possible to pay their respects, mourners are also requested to pass the casket without stopping.
Due to the ongoing festivities in the city centre, a number of minor and major traffic restrictions are still in effect; those who want to pay their respects at St. Giles’ are urged to reach George Square by public transportation or on foot.
The Royal Standard and a floral wreath were placed on the Queen’s coffin in Scotland before it arrived at St Giles’.
White Spray Roses, White Freesias, White Button Chrysanthemums, Dried White Balmoral Heather, Spray Eryngium, Foliage, Rosemary, Hebe, and Pittosporum were used to create these.
As the Queen’s funeral procession started its ascent of the Royal Mile, bagpipes playing from Holyrood Palace performed the National Anthem.
A Bearer Party composed of members of The Royal Regiment of Scotland and The King’s Body Guard for Scotland accompanied the hearse.
In ceremonial attire, mounted cops rode in front of the procession.
Behind the Queen, King Charles marched gravely in line with his siblings. The arrival of the hearse caused the gathering well-wishers to pause.
As the cortège drew near, the audience spontaneously rose to its feet and cheered, with many yelling “God Save the King!” and “God Save the Queen!”
The Queen arrived at St. Giles’ after waiting for around 30 minutes.