Buckingham Palace has released new details of King Charles III’s official engagements in Scotland, as the monarch begins his annual Royal Week visit against the backdrop of a deepening security dispute with his younger son, Prince Harry. The King’s office confirmed that Charles participated in the historic Ceremony of the Keys on June 30, a centuries-old tradition marking the sovereign’s formal welcome to Edinburgh .

The ceremony took place in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where the Lord Provost of Edinburgh presented the monarch with the keys to the city. In keeping with tradition, the King symbolically returned them to the city for safekeeping . The event featured a Guard of Honour provided by Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, alongside musical performances from the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland .

King Charles and Queen Camilla began their stay in the Scottish capital shortly after arriving by helicopter . The visit, often referred to as Holyrood Week, typically involves a series of engagements celebrating Scottish culture, community, and achievements . Following the ceremony, the King hosted an investiture ceremony and a garden party at the Palace, where he was joined by the Princess Royal and the Duke of Edinburgh .

The official royal engagements come as the palace reportedly awaits confirmation from Prince Harry regarding a planned trip to the U.K. with his family. Reports indicate that the Duke of Sussex’s request for taxpayer-funded police protection during the visit has been denied by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC), placing the potential reunion in jeopardy . Harry has been engaged in a lengthy legal battle over his security status since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 .

The Duke has expressed a desire to bring his wife, Meghan, and their children, Archie and Lilibet, to the U.K. to visit King Charles for the first time in years . However, a spokesperson for the Sussexes indicated that Harry is “exploring every available option” to ensure the family can travel safely, arguing that “risk follows the person, not the place” . The latest developments have sparked fresh debate regarding the Sussexes' relationship with the royal family and the ongoing complexities surrounding their international security arrangements . For now, the King’s focus remains on his official duties in Scotland, where he is scheduled to carry out a full program of engagements through the week .