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British Royals

A king called Charles keeps an eye on Holyroodhouse’s sparkling Christmas trees

By
28th November 2024

It’s the third Christmas of the new Carolean age at Holyroodhouse but it’s another king called Charles who has a star role in this year’s festive celebrations.

As the Edinburgh palace unveiled its trees and decorations for the season, King Charles II had a starring role.

The Throne Room at Holyroodhouse is dominated by John Michael Wright’s portrait of Charles II
(Royal Collection Trust)

The palace’s main tree has been placed next to a portrait of the Merry Monarch in the Throne Room at Holyrood.

Charles II was responsible for a rebuild which shaped the palace as it is today.

The tree in the Great Gallery gets its finishing touches
(Royal Collection Trust)

Two Christmas trees sparkle in the Throne Room this festive season, both reaching twelve feet tall and both decked with red baubles and white lights.

There is a fifteen foot Nordmann Fir in the Great Gallery, covered in gold and silver decorations. It sits among portraits of past Scottish kings.

Scotland has had just one queen regnant called Elizabeth and Her Late Majesty’s portrait dominates
(Royal Collection Trust)

A painting of Elizabeth, Queen of Scots hangs in the Royal Dining Room where a table display of foliage takes pride of place.

Meanwhile, the Great Stair, which leads to the State Apartments, has been decked with festive garlands.

Christmas garlands are added to the Great Stair at Holyroodhouse
(Royal Collection Trust)

Visitors will be able to enjoy the Christmas decorations from November 28th until January 5th.

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About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.