Blue white and red

After picking up the car, I had just enough time to turn around and head into the city to view the events around the royal procession.

To begin with I was several people back and at times had to view the procession through focusing on the smartphone screens in the first of hands in front of me. I did manage a shot of the Scottish crown being transported to St Giles. See extra.

I managed to cross over to outside Deacon Brodies where I had a slightly better view of one of the doors of St Giles. King Charles exited by the one hidden by the statue but I captured a view- at almost full zoom - as he turned toward the car. See extra.

Just in front of me, on the other side of the street were corralled those with placards or banners. Many stating “Not my King”. Some declaring “Charles King of Scots”. And one flag saying ”Not my First Minster: SNP Out”. There were frequent shouts of “Not my King” etc so much so the National Anthem from where I was standing was more or less drowned out. Around me were many tourists, from France, Canada, USA, Brazil. And several who supported the monarchy but did not shout out or add their voices to the occasional “God Save the King”.

There were other protests. One silent, dressed as a monk, with a picture of what looked like a weeping Mary Queen of Scots (but may have been someone else). I’ve no idea what he was promoting. Another very vocal with a “V” mask protesting the imprisonment of Julian Assange and linking him back to Socrates.

So a colourful event and a surprise to see one of our congregation reading a blessing. As she said to me later it is a good thing no one knows how they spoke in 1520!

The closing event was a fly past by the Red Arrows which was a magnificent sight but over very quickly.