High Constables and Guard of Honour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse
The High Constables of Holyroodhouse are a small corps of ceremonial guards at the Sovereign's official residence in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh. Not to be confused with The High Constables of Edinburgh, or the High Constabulary of the Port of Leith.
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.
Law and order at the palace is split between the hereditary Keeper of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Bailie of Holyroodhouse and his High Constables. The Keeper of the Palace of Holyroodhouse 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 and enforced the justice of the Bailie. The senior officer of the High Constables is called the Moderator.
Their ceremonial uniform includes a blue velvet suit, a hat and a thin sword in a black leather scabbard.
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.
