Historically, the paintings were used as a show of power. The earliest example in the royal collection is the state portrait of James I of England, James VI of Scotland, from 1620.

Historically, the paintings were used as a show of power. The earliest example in the royal collection is the state portrait of James I of England, James VI of Scotland, from 1620.

The three-part suite is comprised of the Crown of Scotland, which was made for King James V of Scotland in the 16th century, a gold sceptre and King James IV’s sword of state.

King Charles' mother visited Scotland a few weeks after her own coronation in June 1953 for a similar presentation of the Honours of Scotland, the royal family website states.

The sword was commissioned to replace the original Sword of State, also known as the Papal sword, which is believed to be a papal gift from Pope Alexander VI to King James IV in 1494.