Bronze lion takes guard in Edinburgh as King marks 20 years of Royal Regiment of Scotland

A bronze lion now keeps watch over the cap badge of The Royal Regiment of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh.

The King unveiled the new monument in Princes Street Gardens as the regiment marked 20 years since its formation, following a ceremonial march through the capital by serving soldiers, veterans and regimental mascot, Cpl Cruachan IV.

Designed by Edinburgh artist Kenny Hunter, the reclining lion was cast in six separate pieces – one for each of the historic Scottish infantry regiments brought together to form The Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006.

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King Charles, Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment, said the occasion reached beyond the anniversary itself, linking today's soldiers to a lineage running back to 1633 through their antecedent regiments.

"It is a moment to reflect on two decades of service, as well as to honour a lineage that stretches unbroken from 1633," he said.

The King praised the operational record of Scottish line infantry, saying the regiment's battalions had repeatedly ranked among the British Army's most deployed.

"Your battalions have consistently ranked among the most operationally deployed in the British Army, demonstrating professionalism, adaptability, and courage in every theatre," he said.

He also remembered the officers and soldiers killed in action since the regiment was formed, and paid tribute to the families and friends supporting those who serve.

"Their sacrifice is the foundation upon which your reputation stands, and their memory endures in the regiment's spirit and purpose," the King said.

Earlier, The Royal Regiment of Scotland exercised the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh in ceremonial dress, marching from the Palace of Holyroodhouse and past the City Chambers.

A Colour Party and ceremonial guard from each battalion took part, alongside veterans from the SCOTS Association. The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland and the regiment's Pipes and Drums accompanied the parade.

The Lord Provost and Lord-Lieutenant of Edinburgh, Councillor Robert Aldridge, took the salute and described the procession as "a spectacular sight".

At the unveiling of the statue, the King said the monument should stand for generations as a symbol of "service, sacrifice and enduring pride".