The legendary Scottish Coronation Stone “Stone of Destiny” (Destiny Stone) is on its way to London. The stone, which has been used for centuries at the coronation ceremonies of Scottish and later English and British rulers, was blessed in a ceremony at Edinburgh Castle yesterday, British news agency PA reported.
On May 6, he is said to be present at the coronation of King Charles III. (74) and his wife Camilla (75) at London’s Westminster Abbey as part of the Coronation Chair before being returned to Edinburgh.
Some supporters of Scottish independence initially called for the stone not to be sent to London. However, Scotland’s Prime Minister Humza Yousaf, who attended the ceremony, spoke of a “significant, historic moment”.
The Story of the Stone
The 125-kilo block of stone is considered a symbol of Scottish royalty and almost a national treasure. In 1296 he was brought to London by the English King Edward I. It was integrated into a throne in Westminster Abbey and has since been used at the coronations of English and British monarchs – including the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
A few years earlier it had been stolen by Scottish students and temporarily taken to Scotland. It was found in the ruins of Arbroath Abbey in Scotland and brought back to London.
The stone did not return permanently to Scotland until 1996. It is now part of the Edinburgh Castle exhibition along with the Scottish Crown Jewels.
Postage stamps in honor of the coronation
In addition to Scotland, the Royal Mail also pays tribute to the work of King Charles III with four new stamps. before his coronation on May 6th. One of the stamps released today shows the archbishop placing the crown on the monarch. The coronation site of Westminster Abbey and street festivals can also be seen.
The other three postage stamps are dedicated to issues close to Charles’ heart: diversity and community, sustainability and biodiversity, and the Commonwealth of States from former British colonies. The stamps will go on sale on Coronation Day but can be pre-ordered now.
