King Charles will be presented with a new sword named after the late Queen when he receives Scotland’s crown jewels at a special ceremony next week.
The Elizabeth Sword will officially be given to the King along with the Honours of Scotland at a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on Wednesday.
The new blade will be used on ceremonial occasions and will replace the Sword of State, gifted to James IV by Pope Julius in 1507, due to its fragile condition.
The Elizabeth Sword, designed by former Ormond Pursuivant of Arms Mark Dennis, takes inspiration from both thistles and the Scottish landscape.
It features a pommel of Lewisian gneiss, and a scabbard wrought from Perthshire oak.
Mr Dennis said: “I am humbled to have had the opportunity to work with so many talented Scots craftspeople to create this tribute to our late Queen – a new sword for Scotland and the new King, to last for the next 500 years.”
The Honours of Scotland are the oldest crown jewels in Britain and are normally kept on display at Edinburgh Castle.
During the service, Dame Katherine Grainger DBE will bear the Elizabeth Sword, with the sceptre carried by Lady Dorrian, the Lord Justice Clerk, and the Crown of Scotland carried by the Duke of Hamilton.
Dame Katherine said: “It will be an incredible honour to carry the Elizabeth Sword on such a historic day for Scotland. I hope I can do the sword, and the occasion, justice.”
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Following the ceremony, the sword, crown and sceptre will be returned into the care of Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
HES said it hopes to put the Elizabeth Sword on display shortly after the event.
First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “The Honours of Scotland have immense historical significance, having been present at many major ceremonial events over the past 500 years.
“Designed and crafted with care by some of Scotland’s finest artisans, the Elizabeth Sword is a fitting tribute to the late queen as Scotland prepares to welcome the new King and Queen next week.”