King Charles delivered powerful speech as he opened the Scottish Parliament’s seventh session at Holyrood on Saturday.
The 77-year-old monarch urged MSPs to safeguard Scotland’s natural heritage, calling for ‘respect and dignity in the face of accelerating challenge’.
The King’s addresses shared on the royal family’s official Instagram account just hours after Prince Harry and Meghan markle confirmed that they will travel to the UK with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
During historic spech, the 77-year-old, who’s fighting unspecified form of cancer, called on parliamentarians to ensure that debate is “carried out with respect and courtesy.”
Prince William and Harry’s father made clear he would not apologise for returning to the theme of environmental stewardship, describing it as a matter of “incredible importance” to protect what he termed Scotland’s “precious natural capital”.
He went on to explain that the natural world and human communities are fundamentally interconnected rather than in competition with one another.
“There is an essential harmony between the health of our planet, the natural systems on which we depend and the health of the people that live upon the Earth,” he told the chamber.
Archie and Princess Lilibet’s grandpa also acknowledged that in an era of “rapid and seemingly accelerating challenge”, not every ambition would be realised despite the best intentions.
However, he reminded the chamber: “But while the outcome might not always be yours to deliver, the manner in which it is pursued lies always within your power.
“With that in mind, and in the knowledge that you are custodians of the democratic traditions long nurtured in these islands – traditions of which the honours of Scotland set before us are a powerful reminder – let us continue to show by example that debate can be carried out with respect and courtesy, that disagreement is possible while honouring one another’s dignity.
“And it is recognised – whatever views may exist as to the means – that all those engaged in public service are seeking the same end – the good of the society we serve.”
The King, who was accompanied by his wife Queen Camilla, met community champions nominated by MSPs.
First Minister John Swinney responded by suggesting that amid “uncertainty fuelling deep, personal anxiety” and divisive forces, a fresh approach to politics could provide the foundation for “renewed hope”.
He posed the question of whether parliamentarians would collectively embrace the new political culture that formed part of Holyrood’s founding promise.
2026-06-27 20:21:00
