Edinburgh is getting ready. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II at her residence in Balmoral, Scotland, Operation Unicorn began. This device gives the procedure to be followed in the event of the death of the sovereign in Scotland. It initially provides for the transportation of the queen’s remains to Edinburgh, the country’s capital.
It is precisely at Holyroodhouse that she is expected in the coming days. Holyrood Palace, located in the heart of Edinburgh, is the official residence of the monarch in this city, while Balmoral is a private residence.
The queen stayed there during Scottish “royal week”. During this week, which usually takes place between the end of June and the beginning of July, according to the official website of the royal family, the sovereign visits various regions of Scotland and organizes various events at Holyrood Palace. The queen also used this week to host a “garden party” for several thousand guests at Holyroodhouse. The palace is open to the public the rest of the year and can be visited.
A residence of Mary Stuart
Built to be a monastery in 1128, the palace became a royal residence in the 15th century, during the reign of Jaime IV. Mary Stuart, also known as Mary I of Scots, has stayed there many times and married two of her three husbands there. Several modern personalities have also been there, such as Vladimir Putin in 2003 or Pope Benoit XVI in 2010.
It is also the place where Prince Charles, who will be officially proclaimed king on Saturday, made his first public engagement at the age of 16. There he “met hundreds of young people at a ‘garden party’ for young Scottish and Commonwealth students,” reports the Royal Family Art Collection website.
However, Elizabeth II spent more time at Balmoral than Holyroodhouse when she traveled to Scotland: the castle is even defined as the “Scottish holiday home of the royal family” on its site. Balmoral is privately owned by the Royal Family, while Holyrood Palace is owned by the Crown.
After arriving at Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s remains will be carried in procession down the Royal Mile, the main artery of the Scottish capital, to St. Giles’ Cathedral. A religious service will be held in the presence of the royal family and the public will be able to meditate. The coffin will then be transported, a priori by plane, to London. The funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey in about ten days.
Source: BFM TV
