02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh protestors say 'not my King' as royals arrive for Holyrood Week
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Edinburgh protestors gathered amid the arrival of the King and Queen as they called for an 'end to the monarchy'.
The group, Edinburgh Republic, were outside the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday as Charles and Camilla landed in the city. Activists were seen holding signs that read 'not my King' and 'down with the crown'.
This came as the royals held a garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
READ MORE - Wimbledon breaks protocol as BBC commentator 'left in tears' over scenes
READ MORE - The playboy princes' 'royal love train' that scandalously hit the headlines
Ahead of the protest, organisers said: "Join us for our next protest so we can make sure that Charles and Camilla get the welcome to Edinburgh that they deserve and ensure they get the message - Edinburgh doesn't want a king."
"We'll also be making it clear to the Lord Provost that he's no business giving the keys of our city to an unelected, unaccountable monarch who has never called Edinburgh home."
Members of the group also gathered on Arthur's Seat to create a larger sign visible from the ground, which also read 'not my King'.
Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
In 2023, hundreds of protestors gathered on Calton Hill as they rallied against the coronation of the King. Holyrood Week, or Royal Week includes a series of events in July. This year, Queen Camilla opened Ratho Library in Newbridge.
The Queen chatted to Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn, and told her: "I'm very partial to crime novels."
(Image: Instagram/RepublicEdinburgh)
In an impromptu speech, she said her visit 'has just reinforced my belief in what wonderful places libraries are'. She continued: "Literally from toddlers to pensioners - they manage to inspire a love of reading of books.
"And to actually see a new library like this... I wish a lot of other people would follow your example and open more libraries all over the country, because I think, sadly, a lot of them have been closing down.
Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
"So to see something as wonderful as this being reopened is all to the credit to all of you who've made it happen."
The royals also meet with members of the public, and host thousands at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. On Tuesday, King Charles was presented with the keys to the city.
Camilla and Charles will be in Scotland until Friday, July 3.
