The Royal Experience
Mary Queen of Scots and her Royal Court
GREETINGS UNTO THE GOOD TOWNSPEOPLE OF HAVASHIRE AND THE INHABITANTS thereof,
AS OUR PROGRESS COMES TO AN END, HER ROYAL MAJESTY, QUEEN MARY OF SCOTS, QUEEN OF SCOTLAND, FORMALLY REQUESTS THAT YOU JOIN HER AND HER COURT AS SHE MAKES HER WAY HOME FROM INVERNESS. SHE HAS ENJOYED VISITING MUCH OF THE COUNTRYSIDE AND HAS BEEN TOUCHED BY THE LOVE AND SUPPORT FROM HER SUBJECTS. SHE SHALL INCLUDE THE REGION KNOWN AS HAVASHIRE AS PART OF THE NOBLE LANDS FOR THE LOVING WELCOME THEY HAVE SHOWN. TO SHOW HER GRATITUDE FOR THE LOYALTY OF HER SUBJECTS, SHE SHALL INVITE ALL FROM THE SHIRE AND SURROUNDING AREAS TO HER NEXT STOP AND ANNOUNCE THIS HONOR PUBLICLY. HER PROGRESS WILL BE CONCLUDED IN A FEW SHORT DAYS, WITH A VISIT AT BLAIR CASTLE. HIGHLANDERS FROM FAR AND WIDE ARE GATHERING DEER FROM THE SURROUNDING COUNTRYSIDE TO HOST A GREAT HUNT AND FEAST TO BE HELD IN THY MAJESTY’S HONOR. THEY COULD THINK NOT A BETTER WAY TO CONCLUDE SUCH A PROGRESS THAN BY ATTENDING THIS EVENT MOST SPECTACULAR! QUEEN MARY IS SAID TO BE AN AVID HUNTER AND ALWAYS KEEPS HER EYE ON THE PRIZE--NO MATTER WHAT THE PRIZE MAY BE OR HOW DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN!
UNTIL THEN, I REMAIN IN THY LOVING QUEEN’S SERVICE,
JAMES HEPBURN
4TH EARL OF BOTHWELl
The Queen’s Knighting Ceremony
Each afternoon Queen Mary herself, in the presence of her court will promote young lads and lasses to be knights and dames whose sworn duty will be to protect the realm in her name. Each participant will receive a favor from her Majesty and a honorary place in her court. These dames and Knights may sit with the court during the joust and take part in her royal progress. Parent's make sure to take advantage of this photo opportunity.
Families that would like to participate must sign up in advance at the Royal Court tent. Ceremony will be held once a day and is limited to 15 participants. This is event is Free, but may fill up fast. It is recommended to sign up at arrival.
Additional Court Activities
Noble Etiquette lessons
LEARN HOW TO ADDRESS THE QUEEN AS A PROPER LORD OR LADY. DISCOVER HOW NOBILITY SPOKE, DRESSED AND PRESENTED THEMSELVES TO THE QUEEN. THIS IS A MOST IMPORTANT LESSON IF YOU WILL BE KNIGHTED LATER ON IN THE DAY BY HER MAJESTY. IMPRESS YOUR FAMILY WITH YOUR EXCELLENT MANNERS AND BEHAVIOR. THIS ACTIVITY IS SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES.
Court Dancing
LEARN THE BEAUTIFUL ART OF DANCE, AS ONE OF HER MAJESTY'S LADIES, WILL TEACH COURT DANCES AT VARIOUS TIMES THROUGHOUT THE DAY THAT WERE POPULAR IN THE 16TH CENTURY. THIS ACTIVITY IS SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES.
Havashire Village
The Washerwomen of Havashire
Who washes the Queen’s unmentionables? Who cleans and starches the knight’s armor? Why, it be the Washerwomen of Havashire! These lovely laundry ladies spend their days toiling around the village well, gossiping and chatting while cleaning stains from your breeches and pre-soaking passers-by. The well is the place to go for information, the day’s news and some splashing fun. Need a healer or a seamstress? Need your kilt inspected? The washing well is the place! Stop by and cool off at the well.
Ye Olde Fraternal Association of Royal Tradesman- Serving the Realm since 1542
A venerable flock of codgers, lay-abouts and miscreants who give bad advice, insults and ask riddles of passers-by. If you don’t have an advice question, worry not! They will create one by means of a game of chance. Buy them an ale and you will be forever in their favor. They may even allow you to use the “Nobility” fast-pass line instead of the “not-so-fast peasant” queue. *DISCLAIMER: Head their advice at your own peril.