The King and Queen will join MSPs at a “milestone” event to mark the opening of the new Scottish Parliament. Charles will give an address to formally open the Parliament term following May’s Holyrood election. The event on Saturday June 27 will also include performances from the National Theatre of Scotland and the National Youth Choir of Scotland.
Scotland’s national poet, Makar Padraig MacAoidh, will perform a specially-commissioned work called Let This Hall Be Full Of Noises, which will be read by him in Gaelic with an English translation. After the ceremony, Charles and Camilla will meet some of the “local heroes” who have been chosen by MSPs to represent constituencies and regions across the country.
Presiding Officer’s Remarks
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson said: “The start of a new Parliament is all about optimism, hope and a renewal of what the Parliament means to the people of Scotland.” The King and Queen were both at a special event at Holyrood in 2024 to mark the Parliament’s 25th anniversary.
Mr Gibson added: “Their Majesties’ support for this institution has been steadfast. It’s an honour to have the King and the Queen join us at the start of that journey alongside people from across Scotland, who are at the centre of our plans to commemorate this milestone. I look forward to celebrating the very best of Scotland, reflecting on our heritage, acknowledging our traditions, but most importantly with a focus on our future.”
