King Charles III and Queen Camilla have had a significant year marked by meaningful ceremonies and public engagements. In July 2025, Their Majesties traveled to Scotland for Holyrood Week, where they unveiled a memorial stone dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
Earlier in May 2025, they also revealed their official coronation state portraits at the National Gallery in London. Together, these events reflect their commitment to honoring tradition while looking toward the future of the monarchy.
Honoring Queen Elizabeth II at St Giles’ Cathedral
On July 2, 2025, King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended a ceremony at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh to unveil a new memorial stone in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
St Giles’ Cathedral holds deep historical significance for the Royal Family and for Scotland. After Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in September 2022, her coffin lay in rest in the cathedral for public viewing, where thousands came to pay their respects. The location chosen for the new memorial stone reflects her special connection to Scotland, particularly her love for Balmoral and the Highlands.
According to Royal.uk, Holyrood Week is the Royal Family’s annual celebration of Scottish communities and traditions. The event at St Giles’ Cathedral formed part of this broader tradition, allowing the King and Queen to acknowledge both national heritage and personal remembrance.
Sources:
- Royal.uk – Holyrood Week
- BBC News – Queen’s Coffin in Edinburgh
The Ceremony in Edinburgh
During the ceremony, King Charles III and Queen Camilla formally unveiled the memorial stone in the cathedral. The stone serves as a lasting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s historic reign and her enduring legacy in Scotland.
The event was attended by representatives of the Church of Scotland, local officials, and members of the public. Photographs of the ceremony showed Their Majesties standing together at the stone, reflecting on the occasion with solemnity and respect.
The moment underscored the King’s commitment to recognizing his mother’s contributions and maintaining the close relationship between the monarchy and Scotland.
Sources:
- Getty Images – St Giles’ Cathedral Ceremony
Queen Elizabeth II’s Connection to Scotland
Queen Elizabeth II had a lifelong bond with Scotland. She spent many summers at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, where she enjoyed the natural beauty and traditions of Highland life.
After her death in 2022, her coffin was taken to Edinburgh from Balmoral before traveling to London, allowing the Scottish public to pay respects at St Giles’ Cathedral.
The decision to place a permanent memorial there honors both this personal connection and Scotland’s place within the wider UK.
Sources:
- BBC News – Queen’s Final Journey
- Royal.uk – Balmoral Castle
The Significance of Holyrood Week
Holyrood Week is an annual series of royal engagements held in Scotland to celebrate Scottish communities, history, and culture.
Each summer, the monarch traditionally travels to Scotland for events that include garden parties, official ceremonies, and meetings with civic leaders.
By choosing Holyrood Week for the memorial unveiling, King Charles III reinforced his commitment to upholding this tradition and strengthening ties between the Crown and Scotland.
Sources:
- Royal.uk – Holyrood Week
Unveiling the Official Coronation State Portraits
Earlier in 2025, King Charles III and Queen Camilla also marked another important milestone: the unveiling of their official coronation state portraits.
On May 6, 2025, Their Majesties revealed the paintings at the National Gallery in London. These official portraits are a longstanding royal tradition, commemorating the formal role of the monarch and consort following the coronation in 2023.
The portraits will eventually hang in Buckingham Palace’s Throne Room, joining generations of royal artwork that document Britain’s history.
Sources:
- National Gallery – Royal Portraits
- BBC News – Coronation Portraits
The Artists and Their Portraits
King Charles III and Queen Camilla each selected respected British artists with whom they have worked before.
- King Charles III’s portrait was painted by Peter Kuhfeld, who is known for his classical style and has previously completed royal commissions. The portrait depicts the King in ceremonial regalia, including the Imperial State Crown and formal robes, set against a richly detailed background.
- Queen Camilla’s portrait was created by Paul S. Benney, celebrated for his portraiture and previous royal work. Her painting shows the Queen in a white gown with gold embroidery, standing beside the Queen Mary Crown against a green backdrop.
These paintings serve not only as works of art but as historical records of the new reign.
Sources:
- BBC News – King Charles’ Portrait
- Royal Collection Trust – Royal Portraiture
Display and Public Access
After their unveiling at the National Gallery, the portraits were displayed for public viewing through June 2025. Following this exhibition, they are expected to be installed in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace.
The portraits will also be featured during the Summer Opening of the State Rooms, when Buckingham Palace traditionally welcomes visitors from around the world.
This approach ensures that members of the public can view and appreciate these important symbols of the monarchy.
Sources:
- Royal Collection Trust – Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
Upholding Royal Traditions
The unveiling of the memorial stone in Scotland and the official coronation portraits reflects King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s dedication to upholding royal tradition while acknowledging their modern role.
By honoring Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy and commissioning new artworks, Their Majesties demonstrate their commitment to continuity, remembrance, and the enduring significance of the British monarchy.
These ceremonies also underscore the monarchy’s role in public life—connecting history, art, and community in a way that resonates with people throughout the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
Conclusion
From Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral to London’s National Gallery, 2025 has been a year of meaningful royal milestones. King Charles III and Queen Camilla have paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary reign while also defining their own legacy through art and tradition.
By engaging with the public in Scotland and sharing their portraits with visitors to Buckingham Palace, Their Majesties continue to fulfill their constitutional role and their duty to serve.
Their efforts highlight the Crown’s commitment to both honoring the past and embracing the present—ensuring that the royal family remains a unifying symbol for generations to come.
