King Charles and Queen Camilla open Scottish Parliament

King Charles and Queen Camilla opened the Sottish Parliament this morning in Edinburgh. 

Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended the opening ceremony to mark the Seventh Session of the Scottish Parliament today in Edinburgh.

On arrival at Queensberry House, the King and Queen were met by the Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh, the Presiding Officer as well as the Deputy Presiding Officers.

Their Majesties then proceeded to the Garden Lobby, where they were meet by the First Minister of Scotland, the Rt Hon John Swinney MSP, and other Scottish Party Leaders.

Walking through the Parliament building, the Mace, Elizabeth Sword and Crown of Scotland were carried into the Chamber as part of a procession. A fanfare composed by Sir James MacMillan KT CBE, conducted by John Logan and performed by Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Brass Ensemble sounded as Their Majesties arrived in the Chamber.

Opening remarks were given by the Presiding Officer, before His Majesty addressed the Chamber to formally open the new session of the Scottish Parliament.

In his remarks, His Majesty spoke of the “treasured customs to the remarkable beauty” of Scotland.

As I look around this Chamber today, I am especially pleased to see local heroes from communities across Scotland. You will know better than I, ladies and gentlemen, that the term Local Hero is not merely the title of a fondly-remembered 1980s film; it is also a term rightly applied to these individuals here today, nominated by Members of this Parliament for their dedication and service, who exemplify the very best of civic spirit  — and the very best of Scotland. They have every reason to take pride in their achievements, and The Queen and I very much look forward to meeting them.

Presiding Officer, First Minister, Members of the Scottish Parliament: The Queen and I offer you our warmest good wishes for the Session to come — one we shall follow with close and abiding interest. As you take up your great responsibilities, we share every hope for the continued contribution of this Parliament to the wellbeing, confidence and prosperity of Scotland, its land and all its people. — King Charles III 

After His Majesty’s address and response from the First Minister, the Chamber was treated to performances that included a poem commissioned for the occasion, Let This Hall Be Full Of Noises, which was be delivered in Gaelic by Scotland’s national poet Padraig MacAoidh. The National Youth Choir of Scotland’s Edinburgh Regional Choir and the NYCOS BSL Youth Choir will perform Sarah Quartel’s The Beat of a Different Drum. The National Theatre of Scotland will present As Others See Us by Martin O’Connor, incorporating a poem to celebrate their 20th anniversary and an excerpt from their acclaimed production Through The Shortbread.

The King and Queen then joined a reception for local people that have nominated by MSPs for their extraordinary contribution to their communities.

Young people from across Scotland will form a Guard of Honour outside Parliament, lining part of Their Majesties’ route returning to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The King and Queen last visited the Scottish Parliament in September 2024, to mark its 25th anniversary.