Scotland's Stone of Destiny arrives in London for coronation

King's Bodyguards for Scotland and members of Royal Company of Archers stand guard by the Stone of Destiny at Westminster Abbey in central London during a recent welcome ceremony. Photo: AFP

The Stone of Destiny is returning to England for the first time in more than a quarter of a century, where it will play a key role in the coronation of Charles III, amid tight security.

At Edinburgh Castle last Thursday a special ceremony was held to mark the legendary stone - which has become a symbol of Scottish nationhood but for 700 years was housed in London's Westminster Abbey - starting its journey south.