King Charles III has called on Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) to work together to build a “fair and prosperous society” as he officially opened the seventh session of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.
The ceremonial event, which featured pageantry, poetry, music, and drama, marked a new chapter for the devolved legislature since its establishment in 1999. Proceedings began with the historic Crown of Scotland being escorted from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile before the King and Queen arrived at the debating chamber.
The ceremony showcased Scotland’s rich heritage, with a fanfare performed by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland brass ensemble. The ceremonial procession included the Mace, the Crown of Scotland, and the Elizabeth Sword, carried alongside three Team Scotland athletes preparing to compete at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Young representatives from organisations including the Scottish Youth Parliament, RNIB Scotland, and the Young Women’s Movement also took part in the procession, highlighting the importance of civic participation and Scotland’s diverse communities.
Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson welcomed lawmakers, including 65 newly elected MSPs. During his opening remarks, he praised Scotland’s football supporters, known as the Tartan Army, for representing the country with pride on the international stage. He also light-heartedly joked that their stay in North America would have lasted longer “but for a couple of dodgy penalty decisions” during Scotland’s match against Morocco.
Addressing the chamber, King Charles reflected on the Scottish Parliament’s democratic journey since it was officially opened by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1999. He described Holyrood as a powerful symbol of Scotland’s democratic tradition and encouraged politicians to conduct debates with respect, courtesy, and dignity despite political differences.
The King urged all those in public service to focus on improving people’s lives, saying that citizens across Scotland are looking for leadership and practical action that will help create a fairer and more prosperous society.
He also returned to one of his long-standing priorities by highlighting the growing threat posed by climate change and biodiversity loss. Warning that the planet’s climate is changing dangerously, the monarch stressed the need for continued action to protect the environment for future generations.
Responding on behalf of the Scottish Government, First Minister John Swinney said Scotland has the strength to overcome future challenges through cooperation and renewal. Speaking partly in Gaelic, Swinney called on political leaders to work together to improve people’s lives and restore hope across the country.
The ceremony concluded with a performance by Parliament’s piper, MSP Stuart McMillan, who played Bonnie Dundee and A Hundred Pipers in the Members’ Garden.
Following the formal proceedings, King Charles and Queen Camilla met local heroes nominated by MSPs for their outstanding contributions to their communities. Among them was four-year-old Gregor Corse from Orkney, who has raised £70,000 for charity despite living with a brain condition affecting his balance and mobility.
