The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh undertake a variety of engagements in Scotland each year - usually from the end of June to the beginning of July - to celebrate Scottish culture, history and achievement.

The event is known as 'Holyrood Week' and includes traditional engagements such as the Ceremony of the Keys and an Investiture and Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, plus a number of regional engagements.

This year Holyrood Week runs from 2 to 6 July 2012.

The week always begins with the Ceremony of the Keys, the ceremony at which The Queen is received in the city of Edinburgh by the City Chamberlain. Her Majesty is given the keys of the city and is welcomed to 'your ancient and hereditary kingdom of Scotland'.

An Investiture ceremony is held in the Great Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse to enable Scottish residents whose achievements have been recognised in the twice-yearly Honours List to collect their honours from Her Majesty in their home country.

The Queen may undertake engagements connected to the Scottish Parliament.

Each year, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh entertain around 8,000 guests from all walks of Scottish life at a Garden Party in the spectacular grounds of the Palace, which stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. The guests enjoy tea in the gardens accompanied by music from regimental bands and The Royal Scottish Pipers Society. King George V and Queen Mary held the first garden party in the grounds of Holyroodhouse and the tradition has been maintained ever since.

The Royal Company of Archers, The Queen's official bodyguards whilst Her Majesty is in Scotland, are on duty at the garden party; they form avenues down which The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh proceed, and look after guests in the tea tents.

Since its appointment as the Sovereign’s Body Guard in Scotland in 1822 for the visit to Edinburgh of George IV, the Royal Company of Archers has served as bodyguard to each successive monarch. In this role today it is available for duty anywhere in Scotland at the request of The Queen on any State and ceremonial occasion which may be taking place.

The Holyrood Week programme may also include the Thistle Service at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh. The Order of the Thistle represents the highest honour in Scotland and is presented to Scottish men and women who have held public office or who have contributed in a particular way to national life. The service celebrates the Order, its history and its current members.

The remainder of the week is taken up with less formal visits. In past years The Queen has opened a new university campus and visited a water treatment works and a contemporary art gallery.

The Duke of Edinburgh may attend events linked to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, such as a dinner or a Gold Awards ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.