For ‘sense of renewal’
THE Queen called for hope and optimism as she began an autumn whirlwind of engagements – her busiest season for a decade.
At the state opening of the Scottish Parliament yesterday, she spoke publicly of her late husband the Duke of Edinburgh for the first time since he died in April at 99.
Her Majesty is also playing a key role in a charm offensive to strengthen the union between Scotland and the rest of the UK.
She said: “The beginning of a new session is a time for renewal and fresh thinking, providing an opportunity to look to the future and our future generations. The eyes of the world will be on the United Kingdom, and Scotland in particular, at next month’s UN global climate summit.”
The Queen said she would attend some of the Cop26 events in Glasgow and urged Members of the Scottish Parliament to “help create a better, healthier future” by tackling climate change.
There are seven engagements on the 95-year-old monarch’s October calendar already, with more expected. Aides have suggested that while she made the best of video calling in the pandemic and after Prince Philip’s death, the Queen is particularly keen to meet people again and be more visible.
The address marked the end of her annual Balmoral holiday. She was joined by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
She said: “Today is also a day when we can celebrate those who have made an extraordinary contribution to the lives of other people in Scotland, locally or nationally, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I have spoken before of my deep and abiding affection for this wonderful country and of the many happy memories Prince Philip and I always held of our time here.
“It is often said that it is the people that make a place. And
there are few places where this
is truer than in Scotland. We all know of the difficult circumstances that many people have encountered during the last 18 months. Alongside this have been countless examples of resilience and goodwill.”
The Queen referred to Prince William’s tenure as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of
Scotland, saying he “has told me many heartening stories that he heard first hand, of people and communities across Scotland uniting to protect and care for those who are isolated or vulnerable”.
She also told MSPS: “As we all step out from adverse and uncertain times, occasions such as this, today, provide an opportunity for hope and optimism. Marking this
new session does indeed bring a sense of beginning and renewal. The Scottish Parliament has been at the heart of Scotland’s response to the pandemic.
“I hope you will remain at the forefront as we move towards a phase of recovery.
“While some of you will have differences of opinion, I trust you will continue to work together. I
encourage you to draw inspiration from the founding principles of wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity. These words are a reminder of your responsibilities to the people of Scotland.”
Writing in today’s Sunday Express, royal author Margaret Holder says the Queen had a “testing” summer without her husband of 73 years – seeing sons Charles and Andrew in headlinemaking scandals, and dealing with Us-based grandson Prince Harry.
Responding to the Queen’s speech, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “As we battle through the storm of a global pandemic, hope and the hankering for change is perhaps felt more strongly by more people than at any time in our recent history.
“That gives this Parliament a momentous responsibility.”
The Queen, who has opened all six sessions of the Parliament since 1999, was joined by Charles and Camilla in meeting Scots lauded for community help in the pandemic who were among “local heroes” invited to the opening.