Sculpture for Queen really hits the mark
THE Queen beamed with delight yesterday as she watched a top flight parade by the Royal Company of Archers – and received a gift that really hit the bullseye. Traditionally the unit, also known as the Queen’s Body Guard for Scotland, presents the monarch with two arrows during the historic Reddendo ceremony.
But Her Majesty was instead given a striking glass sculpture, by artist Colin Reid.
The Queen said: “Oh, how lovely,” as she was shown the artwork at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
And she joked with the Duke of Buccleuch, the Archers’ Captain-General, that it was “much better” than two arrows! The 96-yearold monarch wore a dusky blue outfit by Angela Kelly, with a matching hat, as she and Prince Charles watched more than 300 officers and archers march past.
The Company also took off their hats and gave the Queen three cheers.
Earlier Prince Charles, who is known in Scotland as the Duke of Rothesay, joined Princess Anne to take part in a procession and service for the Order of the Thistle, the highest order of chivalry in Scotland, at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.