In pictures: King Charles formally opens seventh session of Scottish Parliament

The King and Queen have attended the opening of the new Scottish Parliament, with the debating chamber playing host to pageantry and poetry readings.

The ceremony marked the beginning of the seventh session of the Scottish Parliament since its establishment in 1999.

The day began with the Crown of Scotland being escorted down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle, before being taken into Parliament alongside the Elizabeth Sword through a guard of honour made up of young people.

Following the arrival of Charles and Camilla in the debating chamber, the ceremony began with a fanfare performed by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland brass ensemble.

The mace, Crown and sword was carried into the chamber in a procession featuring three Team Scotland athletes preparing to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer.

Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson then gave his opening remarks, before Charles himself addressed the chamber to formally open the parliamentary session.

First Minister John Swinney then responded to the King’s address before the King and Queen met local heroes nominated by MSPs for their “extraordinary contribution” to local communities.

Have a look at some of the best images from the event in our picture gallery.