King Charles Unveils Bronze Lion Sculpture in Edinburgh for Regiment

King Charles unveiled a bronze lion sculpture in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens on July 1, GB News reported. The artwork commemorates two decades of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, which the King serves as Colonel-in-Chief. The regiment was established on March 28, 2006, through the amalgamation of The Royal Scots, the King's Own Scottish Borderers, the Royal Highland Fusiliers, The Black Watch, The Highlanders and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

GB News reported that soldiers of the regiment exercised their Freedom of the City of Edinburgh in a ceremonial parade that began at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and proceeded past the City Chambers, with the Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Edinburgh receiving the salute.

During the ceremony, King Charles stated the sculpture is a tribute to the "service, sacrifice and enduring pride" of Scottish soldiers. He noted the regiment's battalions are among the most frequently deployed in the British Army and have shown "professionalism, adaptability, and courage in every theatre" of operation.

The King added that 23 officers and soldiers have fallen in action since formation, saying their sacrifice forms the foundation of the regiment's reputation. King Charles also recalled the regiment's prominent role at his coronation three years ago and its ceremonial duties after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who previously served as Colonel-in-Chief.

Edinburgh artist Kenny Hunter created the sculpture after winning a competitive commission.