PARTY TIME FOR CHARLES

Monarch has spring in his step on Scots trip.. and tells stories of his school days

- TONY JONES

RISHI Sunak's snap July election played havoc with Scots holidaymakers... and it has even forced the King to cut back his Holyrood Week, which began yesterday, to just two days.

Sunak's ill-judged decision prompted the King and Queen to postpone engagements "which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign".

The monarch is recovering from cancer but has been able to attend Edinburgh's 900th anniversary events where he received the keys to the city and attended a garden party and a literary reception.

The King, who arrived by helicopter with the Queen, started his official engagements by inspecting a guard of honour in the Palace of Holyroodhouse gardens.

Before the ceremony, the palace garden was transformed into a parade ground, where the King met senior military and uniformed figures, including Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell.

He then received a royal salute before inspecting a Guard of Honour of soldiers from Balaklava Company, 5 Scots. The Ceremony of the Keys was held in the garden. He was welcomed by Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, who presented the