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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Zahna Eklund

Unusual detail on Scottish Coronation crown that means King Charles can't wear it

King Charles and Queen Camilla are in Edinburgh today for a celebration of the monarch's Coronation, two months after they were both crowned during a ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London.

But the monarch, 74, was not crowned during today's service of thanksgiving and dedication at St Giles' Cathedral. The King did receive a crown, sceptre, and a sword made of gold, silver, and gems - collectively known as the Honours of Scotland - but the headpiece was not worn.

Similarly, when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, attended her Scottish Coronation 70 years ago, she was not crowned either, and on top of it all being to do with Scotland's history, there's an unusual reason why Charles can't wear the crown - it's too small for his head.

The Crown of Scotland (PA)

James Naughtie, a commentator for the BBC's coverage of the event, said: "He won't wear the crown today, apart from anything else it's too small. It's simply going to be presented to him."

But even if the crown did fit him, Charles still wouldn't put it on because of Scotland's royal history and the rules surrounding the monarchy in the United Kingdom.

Scotland previously had its own monarchy prior to uniting with England to form Great Britain in 1707. The crown that Charles was presented with today once belonged to King James V of Scotland, who ruled from 1513 - when he was just 17 months old - until his death in 1542.

However, since the Act of Union 1707, Scotland has not operated as an independent royal realm, so it would be inappropriate - and inaccurate - for King Charles to be crowned as King in Scotland.

In fact, the Honours of Scotland have not been used for a coronation in the traditional sense since the crowning of Charles II at Scone in 1651, after Oliver Cromwell failed to stop the coronation from taking place, according to the official Royal website.

The website states: "Since 1819, the Honours have been on public display in the Crown Room at Edinburgh Castle, together with the Stewart and the Lorne Jewels. The Stone of Scone was added in 1996, after 700 years in Westminster Abbey.

"The last time the Honours of Scotland were used for a coronation was to crown Charles II at Scone in 1651."

More than 700 members of the Armed Forces took part in a procession along the Royal Mile ahead of the start of the ceremony today, drawn from the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force.

Musicians from across the Armed Forces also took part in the event, including personnel from Royal Marines Band Scotland, Band SCOTS and Pipes and Drums from the Army and RAF.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said ahead of the service: "Scotland's Armed Forces will play a key role in the service to present The King and Queen with the Honours of Scotland. It is right and fitting that they do.

"Having been such a crucial part of Queen Elizabeth's funeral, they will now be central to this important moment for King Charles. I very much look forward to seeing our military personnel at their very best."

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