Queen Elizabeth II attends armed forces loyalty parade in Edinburgh

The monarch used the walking stick she has relied upon at recent events

Queen Elizabeth II attends an Armed Forces Act of Loyalty Parade at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland. AFP

Governor of Edinburgh Castle Alastair Bruce leads cadets during the parade in the gardens of the palace. PA

The queen has travelled to Scotland for a week of royal events. AFP

The Armed Forces Act of Loyalty Parade at the palace. AFP

Queen Elizabeth used a walking stick as she arrived. Reuters

Governor Alastair Bruce leads the parade. PA

Queen Elizabeth II smiled broadly as she met members of the armed forces at an act of loyalty parade in Edinburgh on Tuesday.

The act of loyalty and presentation of the key to Edinburgh Castle marked the 200th anniversary of King George IV’s visit to Scotland in 1822.

In heather-coloured silk wool dress and coat with a matching hat, all by Angela Kelly, the 96-year-old monarch joined services personnel at the Palace of Holyroodhouse to celebrate her platinum jubilee in the Scottish capital.

A parade and presentation of the key for Edinburgh Castle took place in Holyroodhouse palace gardens. The parade centred on the presentation of the key for Edinburgh Castle as part of the royal visit tradition and meeting with members of the services.

Queen Elizabeth, who walked with a stick, has had mobility issues in recent months, forcing her to miss a number of engagements, including the State Opening of Parliament and some of the official celebrations for her jubilee.

But she made her annual trip to Scotland and arrived in Edinburgh on Monday.

The army, navy and the air force were represented at the service and greeted the queen with a royal salute on her arrival in the gardens, followed by a meet and greet with three senior representatives from the services.

They were joined by three cadets, representing each service.

The key to the castle was then presented to the Queen by Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich, governor of Edinburgh Castle, who was assisted by three service cadets at the palace’s Equerry’s Door.

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Queen Elizabeth in Scotland through the years — in pictures

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The Major General addressed the Queen, saying: “We, the serving members of Your Majesty’s Armed Forces, bound by our oath to You, your Heirs and Successors, offer for Your gracious acceptance the Key to Your Majesty’s Royal Castle of Edinburgh.”

To which she responded: “I return this key to the safekeeping of My Governor of Edinburgh Castle, in gratitude for the symbolic Act of Loyalty of Our Armed Forces, confident of your faithful allegiance to your oath.”

Three cheers for the Queen were then given by members of the armed forces before a pipe tune composed for the platinum jubilee called Dieu Ragnari was played as she waved goodbye and returned to the palace.

On Tuesday afternoon, Anne, Princess Royal, will then present honours in an investiture ceremony at the palace.

Among those to be recognised will be James McGoldrick, the assistant general secretary of the UN, and Ross McEwan, the chief executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland.