Queen Elizabeth is currently spending time in Scotland for Royal Week. And during her first day, she was given quite an amazing honor.
This week, the 95-year-old monarch is taking part in engagements celebrating “community, innovation and history” in the country. On Monday, Her Majesty and Prince William paid a visit to the Irn Bru, an iconic soda maker's factory in Cumbernauld, to officially open the building’s new process facility.
Later in the day, the queen arrived at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for the traditional Ceremony of the Keys, where the Lord Provost of Edinburgh presented her with the keys to the city. Quite the honor. Per the official royal family IG account, the special event is a very ancient ceremony that happens every time the Sovereign visits the city.
“We, the Lord Provost and the members of the City of Edinburgh District Council, welcome your Majesty to the capital city of your ancient & hereditary kingdom of Scotland and offer for your gracious acceptance the keys of Your Majesty's good City of Edinburgh,” the Lord Provost said during one part of the ceremony.
Following his speech, Elizabeth replied, "I return these keys, being perfectly convinced that they cannot be placed in better hands than those of the Lord Provost and Councillors of my good City of Edinburgh.”
In addition to being given the keys, Her Majesty then inspected the Guard of Honour provided by the Balaklava Company. For the outing, Liz looked chic in a baby blue ensemble paired with her pearl necklaces and a matching hat. Luckily, the queen shared some photos from the event on social media.