The King and Queen have got the big party started for the NHS as it marks a major milestone in its history.

With just hours to go until the National Health Service turns 75, Their Majesties joined a special celebration at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Queen Camilla cut the birthday cake as the NHS in Scotland continued its events for this landmark anniversary.

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The King and Queen visited NHS Lothian’s Medicine of the Elderly Meaningful Activity Centre as the 75th birthday began. They met staff and patients and heard about the ongoing work at the centre, receiving a warm welcome.

The National Health Service was established on July 5th 1948 to provide healthcare free at the point of access for everyone in the UK.

The visit came as Holyrood Week continued. The Monarch traditionally spends a week in Scotland in early summer – this is the first of the reign of King Charles III.

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On arrival, on July 3rd 2023, His Majesty took part in the Ceremony of the Keys at Holyroodhouse Palace before visiting HMY Britannia which is marking a quarter of a century in permanent dock in Edinburgh this year.

On the morning of July 4th, ahead of the NHS celebration, King Charles and Queen Camilla viewed the Jubilee Gates at Abbey Yard at Holyrood. They were put up to mark the Platinum celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II.

The King and Queen will be presented with the Honours of Scotland in a ceremony at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on July 5th 2023.