Introduction to the Palace of Holyroodhouse: The Palace of Holyroodhouse (literally translated as Palace of Holy Cross) is the royal palace where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned and lived. It was built in 1498 by Queen Mary’s father, James V. , formerly known as Holy Rood Abbey, some of the remains of the abbey can still be seen in the palace. Every summer, this is the royal residence where the Queen comes to Scotland. Whenever the Queen lives here, the royal flag will be raised in the palace like Buckingham Palace and other royal palaces.