Queen Elizabeth II dies: Stone of Destiny to be moved From Edinburgh Castle to London for King Charles' coronation

The Stone of Destiny, which has played a central role in the history of the Scottish monarchy for centuries, will be moved from Edinburgh Castle to London for the coronation of the new King.

When Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953 at Westminster Abbey, her throne sat above the historic seat of the Scottish crown.

But with the historic artefact having been returned to Scotland 26 years ago, it will be moved down to London for the ceremony involving her son.

While no date has yet been announced for the coronation ceremony of Charles III, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) confirmed the The Stone of Destiny is heading to Westminster Abbey.

The Stone of Destiny will be moved from Edinburgh Castle to London for the coronation of the new King.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for HES said: “HES staff will move the Stone of Destiny to Westminster Abbey in advance of the Coronation and then return it to Scotland.”

HES manages a number of historic locations across Scotland, including Edinburgh Castle, where the stone is among the items on display in the Crown Room.

The HES website notes: “The stone will only leave Scotland again for a coronation in Westminster Abbey.”

The Stone of Destiny, which is described as being coarse-grained, pinkish buff sandstone, is seen as a historic symbol of Scotland’s monarchy, and was used in the inauguration of Scottish kings for centuries.

But in 1296 the then king of England, Edward I, had it removed from Scotland and it was built into a new throne at Westminster Abbey in London.

It was only returned to Scotland on St Andrew’s Day in November 1996.

In 1950 four Scottish students famously stole the stone from Westminster Abbey in London. It was found some three months later, 500 miles away, at the high altar of Arbroath Abbey.

In November 2020 Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced plans to relocate the stone – which is also known as the Stone of Scone – to Perth.