The Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, has arrived in London for the highly anticipated King’s coronation next Saturday. This ancient symbol of sovereignty, weighing 125kg, has been transported from its usual home at Edinburgh Castle and will be placed in the Coronation Chair for the enthronement. The stone’s history dates back almost a thousand years and it has been used in ceremonies to inaugurate new monarchs for centuries. At a recent ceremony to mark the stone’s arrival at Westminster Abbey, the Dean of Westminster, Dr David Hoyle, urged people to pray for their majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Royal Family, and for God’s blessing on all those involved in the preparations for the coronation. The Lord Lyon of Scotland, Joseph Morrow, emphasized that the stone was taken from the Abbey of Scone to the Abbey Church in 1296 by command of King Edward I in an act of enmity, and later returned to Scotland in 1996 by command of the late Queen Elizabeth II in an act of amity. Now, it returns to London by the command of King Charles III, as an act of unity and symbol of friendship. The stone will be returned to Scotland after the coronation. Learn more about the King’s coronation, the crowns, orbs, and swords used in the ceremony, the coronation route, hosting street parties, and more by reading on. Professor David Fergusson, Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, believes that the Stone of Destiny has changed from being a spoil of war to a symbol of unity. Though ancient quarrels can still be recalled, he believes that celebrating the nation’s unity and trust is more important.
