High Constables and Guard of Honour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse
An editor has nominated this article for deletion. You are welcome to participate in the deletion discussion, which will decide whether or not to retain it. |
 |
The High Constables of Holyroodhouse are a small corps of ceremonial guards at the Sovereign's official residence in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Dating from the early sixteenth century, they now parade whenever the Sovereign, or the Lord High Commissioner of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, is in residence. They form part of the Royal Household in Scotland. Not to be confused with The High Constables of Edinburgh.
Their ceremonial uniform includes a blue velvet suit, a hat and a thin sword in a black leather scabbard.
Law and order at the palace is split between the Keeper of Holyroodhouse, his High Constables and the Bailie of Holyroodhouse. The Keeper still appoints the Bailie of Holyroodhouse, who is responsible for law and order within the Holyrood Abbey Sanctuary. The High Constables of Holyroodhouse are responsible to the Keeper.
Also present at the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Doorward Guard of Partisans, who comprised the personal retainers of the Lord High Constable of Scotland, which was responsible for the Sovereign's safety while in Edinburgh.