Soldiers from Larkhill played an important role in the Scottish Coronation this week.

Soldiers from 47th Regiment Royal Artillery played a key role in the arrival of His Majesty The King at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Ceremony of the Keys in Edinburgh.

The Ceremony of the Keys takes place at the start of the British monarch's week-long residence in the forecourt of the Palace where the Sovereign is symbolically offered the keys to the city of Edinburgh.

This year, the Guard of Honour was provided by The Kings’ Bodyguard in Scotland (Royal Company of Archers) supported by the Pipes, Drums and Bugles of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland and The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

On Thursday, July 5m, a Royal a 21 Gun Salute was fired by 10 (Assaye) Battery, 47th Regiment Royal Artillery to mark the arrival of His Majesty, King Charles III at 4:30pm.

Lieutenant Hattie Sumner, Troop Commander, said: "I feel very lucky to take part in such an occasion, especially coming from a Regiment that doesn’t work with guns on a daily basis."

The 47th Regiment Royal Artillery is part of the Watchkeeper Force under Joint Helicopter Command and operates the Watchkeeper Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS).

It holds a Battery at high readiness to deploy around the world and has a constant presence in the US running a flight school. 

Elements of 47th Regiment Royal Artillery have existed since 1755 and Batteries in the regiment have been employed as coastal defence, air defence and RPAS.

The regiment’s previous deployments include Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Cyprus, Iraq, and most recently Afghanistan where Watchkeeper flew in support of Op HERRICK.  

Major Adrian Vipond, Battery Commander, explained: "It was an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to support such an occasion."

Members of The Royal Regiment of Scotland provided Guard at Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle and will continue to do so whilst The King is in residence in Edinburgh.