Standing as it does at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, it is very much a working Royal residence. It functions as the centre of national life during The Queen's stay in Scotland as well as at other times of the year.
Members of the Royal Family frequently stay in the Palace when carrying out engagements in Scotland. During The Queen's Holyrood week, which usually runs from the end of June to the beginning of July, Her Majesty carries out a wide range of official engagements in Scotland.
The Investiture held in the Great Gallery is for Scottish residents whose achievements have been recognised in the twice-yearly Honours List which appears at New Year and on The Queen's Official Birthday in June.
King George V and Queen Mary held the first garden party in the grounds of Holyroodhouse and the tradition has been maintained to the present day. Each year, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh entertain around 8,000 guests from all walks of Scottish life during Holyrood week.
The Palace also provides the backdrop for formal State occasions. Most recently, it was the setting for a lunch during the State Visit of President Putin of the Russian Federation, who visited Edinburgh with The Duke of York during June 2003.
The new Queen's Gallery was opened by Her Majesty The Queen on 29 November 2002. It hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection.
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