King Charles has emphasized that more efforts are needed to address climate change as he celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.
In his speech, the King fondly reflected on his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and her deep connection to Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, where she spent her final days. He also expressed his own affection for Scotland, stating it holds a "uniquely special" place in his heart.
After delivering his speech, the King—who has been undergoing cancer treatment since February—met with several "local heroes" who were recognized for their contributions to their communities. The event featured speeches from political leaders and musical performances from various acts.
Scottish Values and Climate Concerns
During his speech, King Charles, accompanied by Queen Camilla, reminded the Scottish Parliament that its re-establishment in 1999 marked a "new dawn" for the country. He highlighted the values engraved on the mace his mother presented to the Parliament 25 years ago—wisdom, justice, compassion, and integrity—describing them as the "most Scottish of values."
He acknowledged the current era of division and polarization but stressed that in the crucial areas of political representation, debate, and policymaking, those values should be upheld. He added, "Hope, civility, and generosity of spirit should remain central, even when addressing the most difficult of issues."
However, the King shifted his focus to the pressing issue of climate change, emphasizing the need for action. "Today is an important milestone," he said. "Looking ahead to the next quarter-century and beyond, there remains much more to be done—not just for Scotland and the UK but in addressing the shared global challenge of a dangerously changing climate and the depletion of biodiversity."
Memories of Scotland and Balmoral
The King attended the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, when he was Prince Charles, and has returned on several occasions since then. Recalling that first session, he described it as an "extraordinary occasion" and recognized the "daunting" responsibility that fell to the Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs).
He also spoke warmly about Scotland's "extraordinary diversity," from the central belt to the Highlands, and from the islands to the coastal communities. He reflected on his family's deep ties to Scotland, particularly Balmoral, where his late mother chose to spend her final days. He added, "Scotland has always held a uniquely special place in my family's heart."
Cultural Celebrations and Political Reflections
The event also featured performances by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Sistema Scotland, Gaelic choir Còisir Alba, and Calum McIlroy, the BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year. Following the King’s remarks, leaders of Scotland's political parties took turns speaking.
First Minister John Swinney, of the Scottish National Party, celebrated 25 years of the Scottish Parliament improving lives and being "at the heart of the nation" since its re-establishment. He pointed to achievements such as marriage equality, which has contributed to making Scotland a more just society.
In his first speech as leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Russell Findlay called on Parliament to "realign" with the public, saying that many people felt "detached" from the political process. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar expressed his optimism about Scotland’s future, while Alex Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, described the Parliament as a "cathedral of ideas" that has been transformative for many people.
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie, however, cautioned that the Parliament's journey is far from complete.
Peaceful Protest
Outside the Scottish Parliament, a group of republican protesters peacefully demonstrated against the monarchy. They chanted "Not My King" and waved signs that read "Down with the Crown" as the royal family made their way to the anniversary event. Photo by Jorge Franganillo, Wikimedia commons.