“Stone of Destiny leaves Scotland for King Charles III’s coronation in London”

On 28 April 2023, the Stone of Destiny left Edinburgh Castle for the first time in over 25 years. Its destination was London, where it would be used in the coronation of King Charles III. Also known as the Stone of Scone, this 150kg (336lb) red sandstone slab is an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy. It was taken by King Edward I of England in the late 13th century during the Wars of Independence and remained in England for 700 years. It was later returned for permanent display in Scotland in 1996, but it was agreed it would return to Westminster Abbey for any future coronation ceremony. In preparation for its temporary departure to London, a ceremonial procession took place from the castle’s Great Hall, led by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, the monarch’s representative in Scotland. The Stone of Destiny has a rich and varied history and had been used for centuries in coronations. After the coronation, the stone will return to Edinburgh Castle before making its way to the new Perth Museum in 2024.