King Charles has unveiled a striking bronze lion sculpture in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens this afternoon, commemorating two decades of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The monarch, who serves as Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment, revealed the artwork before an audience of serving personnel, veterans and military families.
The reclining lion, which guards the regiment’s cap badge, stands as a permanent tribute to what the King described as the “service, sacrifice and enduring pride” of Scottish soldiers.
Today’s ceremony marked a significant milestone for Britain’s senior line infantry regiment, which was established on March 28, 2006.
During his address, the King praised the regiment’s battalions as being among the most frequently deployed in the British Army, highlighting their “professionalism, adaptability, and courage in every theatre” of operation.
His Majesty struck a more sombre note when acknowledging the human cost of such distinction.
“It is right that we remember today that these high standards come at a cost,” the King said.
He paid tribute to the 23 officers and soldiers who have fallen in action since the regiment’s formation, declaring: “Their sacrifice is the foundation upon which your reputation stands, and their memory endures in the regiment’s spirit and purpose.”
King Charles has unveiled a striking bronze lion sculpture in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens this afternoon, commemorating two decades of The Royal Regiment of Scotland
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PA
Prior to the statue’s unveiling, soldiers exercised their Freedom of the City of Edinburgh in a ceremonial parade through the Scottish capital.
Dressed in full ceremonial regalia, the regiment marched from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official Scottish residence, proceeding past the City Chambers.
The Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh received the salute as the procession passed.
The King also reflected on the regiment’s ceremonial contributions, noting their prominent role at his coronation three years ago.
During his address, the King praised the regiment’s battalions as being among the most frequently deployed in the British Army, highlighting their ‘professionalism, adaptability, and courage in every theatre’ of operation
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PA
He spoke movingly of their duties following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who had previously served as the regiment’s Colonel-in-Chief.
The Royal Regiment of Scotland came into being through the amalgamation of six historic Scottish infantry units: The Royal Scots, the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, the Royal Highland Fusiliers, The Black Watch, The Highlanders and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Edinburgh artist Kenny Hunter created the bronze sculpture after winning a competitive commission.
Edinburgh artist Kenny Hunter created the bronze sculpture after winning a competitive commission
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PA
The sculptor explained that the young lion represents a soldier prepared for duty, describing its pose as relaxed yet alert.
“It’s reclining and in a relaxed pose, but you get the sense it’s see something on the horizon that has piqued its interest,” Mr Hunter said.
“Everybody wants peace, but when things go awry you want people to be ready.”