King Charles III will return to Scotland on Monday as the Queen’s coffin is moved from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
The coffin remained at her official Scottish residence overnight ahead of a procession around 2.30pm, which is expected to attract huge crowds.
After travelling to the capital with the Queen Consort, the King is set to inspect the Guard of Honour before attending the ceremony of the Keys on the palace forecourt.
The new monarch will then join his siblings, the Princess Royal, Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex, as they walk up the Royal Mile to St Giles.
Following a service, the Queen’s coffin will lie in rest for 24 hours, with the public allowed to file past and pay their respects.
The King will then hold audiences with the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Parliament presiding officer Alison Johnstone.
Meanwhile, words of sympathy will be expressed by the Scottish Parliament when Charles and Camilla attend to receive a motion of condolence, with the King replying.
That evening, the monarch will hold a vigil at the Queen’s coffin with other members of the royal family.
The new monarch plans to tour the four nations this week with Camilla and new Prime Minister Liz Truss ahead of Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral on Monday, September 19.
On Sunday, thousands gathered to pay their respects to the Queen as her funeral cortege left her beloved Balmoral Castle and travelled to Edinburgh.
Flanked by six other vehicles, including the royal Bentley containing members of her immediate family, the cortege passed crowds as it made its way via Aberdeen and Dundee to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The events taking place in Scotland are “truly historic”, according to Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge.
He said: “The news of Her Majesty The Queen’s passing has been met with great sadness around the world and has been greeted with an outpouring of emotion that reflects how highly regarded she was at home and abroad.
“I’m preparing to warmly welcome King Charles and royal family members and of course to express deepest sympathy on behalf of the city.
“The next few days will be truly historic for Edinburgh, with tens of thousands of people descending to pay their respects and millions more across the world tuning into the broadcast coverage.
“I believe Scotland can take real pride that Her Majesty cherished her time here and now the eyes of the world will be upon the Capital as we unite in national mourning and herald our new King.
“This is a time for our communities to stand together and for people to reflect on our shared history.
“The outpouring of grief from citizens and visitors is touching and demonstrates the special relationship the city shared with the Queen.
“Edinburgh’s Books of Condolence have been opened online, at Central Library and across the city for citizens and visitors to pay their respects.”
Leader of City of Edinburgh Council, Cammy Day, said he was “proud” the capital will play such a significant part in the ceremonial events over the coming days.
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