ON A DAY OF POMP, PAGEANTRY AND PRAYER THE KING AND QUEEN AND DUKE AND DUCHESS OF ROTHESAY CELEBRATE HIS MAJESTY'S DEDICATION TO SCOTLAND

The King formally dedicated himself to the people of Scotland last week in a historic service of thanksgiving and dedication at Edinburgh's St Giles' Cathedral

- EMILY NASH

DAY THREE HISTORY MADE IN EDINBURGH

Thousands of people packed the city's Royal Mile to watch as the King and Queen were driven to the momentous ceremony, during which His Majesty was presented with the Honours of Scotland - the oldest Crown Jewels in the UK.

They were joined for the occasion by the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay - the Scottish titles of the Prince and Princess of Wales.

And after a service reflecting the diversity, history, culture and tradition of Scotland, the royals and the crowds enjoyed a spectacular flypast over the city by the Red Arrows.

In glorious sunshine, the day's events began when the priceless Honours were carried in procession with a military guard from Edinburgh Castle to the High Kirk's Signet Library to await the arrival of Their Majesties.

Scotland's Stone of Destiny, an ancient symbol of the nation's monarchy, had already been positioned in the cathedral.

The dazzling items - the Crown of Scotland, the Sceptre and the newly created Elizabeth Sword - were followed by a Procession of the People from the esplanade of the castle.

Its governor, Major General Alastair Bruce, watched as more than 100 people representing all walks of life in Scotland departed to walk the route to the cathedral.

They were led by Corporal Cruachan IV, the Shetland pony regimental mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, and escorted by the High Constables of Edinburgh and Leith, four mounted elements of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, the Pipes and Drums of Robert Gordon's College Combined Cadet Force and the 51 Brigade Cadet Military Band.

Those chosen to take part came from 68 organisations and 16 trades across Scotland, including NHS Scotland, the Robert Burns World Federation and the Scottish parliament.