King Charles paid tribute to the courage and lasting legacy of Scotland’s soldiers when he unveiled a new memorial marking the 20th anniversary of the Royal Regiment of Scotland during Royal Week in Edinburgh.
As Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the King presided over the new bronze statue in West Princes Street Gardens, honoring the regiment’s proud history and the generations of soldiers who have defended the nation at home and abroad.
Created by acclaimed Edinburgh sculptor Kenny Hunter, the memorial depicts a recumbent lion guarding the regiment’s cap badge, with the royal family sharing images of the tribute on Instagram.
The sculpture stands on a six-part stone plinth, representing the unity of Scotland’s six historic infantry regiments, which came together in 2006 to form the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Addressing service personnel, veterans and guests gathered for the ceremony, the King reflected: “It is a moment to reflect on two decades of service, as well as to honor a lineage that stretches back unbroken from 1633 from your predecessor regiments – some represented here today – which now form this great regiment.”
The Royal Regiment of Scotland, established in 2006, is the British Army’s senior line infantry regiment and has served on operations around the world, including deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Cyprus, the Balkans and overseas peacekeeping missions. Its battalions continue to play a vital role in national defence, ceremonial duties and international operations.
Throughout his reign, King Charles has often praised the dedication of military personnel and veterans, highlighting the values of service and duty that remain at the heart of the monarchy.
This new memorial is expected to become a lasting landmark in the heart of Edinburgh, standing as a tribute not only to the Royal Regiment of Scotland’s first 20 years, but also to almost four centuries of military history that continues to shape the Regiment’s identity today.
