King Charles praises the significance of Scotland as it celebrates the milestone of Holyrood – embraced by a woman
King Charles expressed his admiration for Scotland as a “truly special place” for the Royal Family during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Scottish parliament. Commemorating a quarter of a century since the parliament opened at Holyrood, the King highlighted the deep connection his family has with Scotland. He shared, “Speaking from a personal perspective, Scotland has always had a uniquely special place in the hearts of my family and myself.” He recalled his grandmother’s proud Scottish heritage, his mother’s cherished moments at Balmoral, and her choice to spend her final days there.
The King went on to praise the unity fostered by the shared love for Scotland, acknowledging its natural beauty, the strength of its people, and the diverse passions and beliefs held by its inhabitants. He marvelled at the diverse landscapes from the central belt to the north Highlands, across the islands to Ayrshire and the Borders. Presiding officer Alison Johnstone and the Queen were present as he delivered his speech.
After his address, the King was embraced by a member of the public who cited his recent health struggles as the reason for the hug. Despite being diagnosed with cancer in February, the 75-year-old monarch has resumed his public duties. The heartfelt moment took place during the ceremony commemorating the parliament’s anniversary, attended by individuals such as Yvonne Macmillan, who expressed her support for the King. She recounted asking him if she could hug him, offering words of blessing as they embraced.
While the Scottish devolution was legislated by Sir Tony Blair’s Labour government in 1997, the parliament officially opened at Holyrood on 1 July 1999. Since then, King Charles has visited the parliament six times, with Queen Elizabeth II attending on 10 occasions during her lifetime. Scottish First Minister John Swinney, a longstanding presence at Holyrood, praised the parliament as a hub of enlightenment and creativity in his own speech.
MSP Christine Grahame, another veteran of the Scottish parliament, highlighted the landmark policies enabled by devolution, such as free tuition and prescriptions, initiatives to address child poverty, and environmental measures. As the King acknowledged the parliament’s positive impact on individuals’ lives, he emphasised the ongoing challenges, particularly in the realms of climate change.
In calling for a new chapter to be written, he urged for continued commitment to progress for Scotland and the wider UK, especially in tackling climate change. The King’s message resonated with those present, signifying a renewed dedication to building a brighter future for all.