Anti-monarchy campaigners protest 'lavish' ceremony in Edinburgh

ANTI-monarchy activists from the Republic group in Edinburgh have for the first time protested the Order of the Thistle ceremony held at St Giles' Cathedral.

Campaigners stood on the Royal Mile to demonstrate a growing anti-monarchist attitude in Scotland as the King and Queen visit the capital for Holyrood Week.

Queen Camilla and Prince Edward were appointed to the Order at a private ceremony in the cathedral.

The Order of the Thistle is the "highest honour in Scotland", and across the UK its "prestige" is second only to the English Order of the Garter, according to the royal family's website.

Republic has said that while the UK prepares to go to the polls in the General Election, residents in Edinburgh "have no say in paying for a lavish ceremony for an unelected monarch" and are "unfairly" having to fork out for this visit.

(Image: Republic)

Speaking for the Republic Edinburgh Local Group, Francine Love said: "The latest Scottish poll shows that fewer than half the people in Scotland support the monarchy. We believe it's time to showcase the democratic alternative to this outdated institution - an elected head of state.

"That's why local campaigners took action today, protesting against a lavish royal visit funded by taxpayers which local residents neither have a say in, or benefit from."

READ MORE: King Charles to host events in Scotland as part of Holyrood week

A poll in January showed support for the monarchy in the UK falling below 50% for the first time.

Republic commissioned a poll by Savanta which found fewer than half in all age groups under the age of 55 preferred the royals to an elected head of state.

A second poll just 10 days later by YouGov found just 45% of people across the UK preferred the monarchy to an elected head of state.

Holyrood Week will be cut short this year because of the General Election. The royal family has postponed any engagements “which may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign”.

Charles and Camilla will round off their trip on Wednesday by joining a celebration with various performers, guests and organisations at Edinburgh Castle to mark the city’s 900th anniversary.