St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, Scotland

St Giles' Cathedral or the High Kirk of Edinburgh is a parish church of the Church of Scotland in the Old Town of Edinburgh.

The current building was begun in the 14th century and extended until the early 16th century; significant alterations were undertaken in the 19th and 20th centuries, including the addition of the Thistle Chapel.

In 1911 George V opened the newly constructed chapel of the Knights of the Order of the Thistle at the south east corner.

St Giles' is closely associated with many events and figures in Scottish history.

Likely founded in the 12th century and dedicated to Saint Giles.Saint Giles is the patron saint of lepers. He was a popular saint in medieval Scotland.

In 1559 the church became Protestant with John Knox, the foremost figure of the Scottish Reformation, as its minister.

On 12 September 2022 the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II was taken to the cathedral for a service of thanksgiving, having travelled from Balmoral Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse the previous day. The Queen's coffin then lay at rest at the cathedral for 24 hours, guarded constantly by the Royal Company of Archers, allowing the people of Scotland to pay their respects. In the evening, the Queen's children; King Charles III, the Princess Royal, the Earl of Inverness and the Earl of Forfar held a vigil at the cathedral, a custom known as the Vigil of the Princes.

On 5 July 2023 the Honours of Scotland were presented to King Charles III in a ceremony held in St Giles' Cathedral.