TL;DR
Holyrood Week each summer marks the start of the King's official year in Scotland. The Royal Household holds a garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, with the King carrying out engagements across Edinburgh and elsewhere in Scotland.
Holyrood Week each summer marks the start of the King's official year in Scotland. The Royal Household holds a garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, and the King and senior royals carry out engagements across the city and elsewhere in Scotland during the week.
What Holyrood Week covers
Holyrood Week typically runs across the first full week of July at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The King takes up residence at the palace for the week and uses it as the base for engagements across Edinburgh and Scotland.
Engagements include audiences with the First Minister, civic receptions, visits to Scottish charities and institutions, and the annual garden party. The Order of the Thistle service at St Giles' Cathedral takes place during the week in some years.
The Holyroodhouse garden party
The Holyroodhouse garden party follows the same format as the three Buckingham Palace garden parties earlier in the season. Around 8,000 guests attend, nominated through institutions and the diplomatic corps.
Dress is day dress, with morning coats and lounge suits common for men and hats or fascinators for women. Refreshment tents, the band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the presentation procession follow the established format.
Order of the Thistle service
The Order of the Thistle is the highest Scottish honour and dates back to 1687. Membership is limited to the sovereign and 16 knights. The annual service takes place at St Giles' Cathedral on the High Street in Edinburgh.
The service includes a procession of Knights of the Thistle in green robes and full regalia. The King is Sovereign of the Order, and the Lord Lyon King of Arms participates in the ceremonial procession.
Royal Company of Archers
The Royal Company of Archers acts as the Sovereign's Body Guard for Scotland during Holyrood Week. The Company carries longbows and wears green tunics and Balmoral bonnets, an arrangement that dates back to the 17th century.
Membership in the Company is by invitation and tradition has involved senior figures from the Scottish armed forces and public life. The Company's archery competitions take place separately during the year.
Public access to Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is normally open to visitors as part of the Royal Collection Trust's portfolio. The palace closes to the public during Holyrood Week and other state occasions but reopens shortly afterwards.
Tickets and tour information are available at rct.uk. The palace includes state apartments, the ruined abbey and the King's Gallery exhibitions.
Key facts
- Holyrood Week runs in the first full week of July.
- Garden party at Palace of Holyroodhouse mirrors Buckingham Palace format.
- Order of the Thistle service held at St Giles' Cathedral.
- Royal Company of Archers acts as Sovereign's Body Guard in Scotland.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse normally open to visitors.
FAQ
When is Holyrood Week 2026?
Typically the first full week of July. The Royal Household publishes the exact schedule on royal.uk closer to the date.
How does the Holyroodhouse garden party work?
The same format as the three Buckingham Palace garden parties. Around 8,000 guests attend, nominated through institutions and the diplomatic corps. Day dress is required, with hats or fascinators for women.
What is the Order of the Thistle?
The highest Scottish honour, established in 1687. Membership is limited to the sovereign and 16 knights. The annual service is held at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.
Can I visit Holyroodhouse?
Yes, normally. The palace is open to visitors as part of the Royal Collection Trust's portfolio. It closes during Holyrood Week and other state occasions but reopens shortly afterwards.
