The King has marked the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament, saying it has more than “thrived”.
Charles and the Queen, during their visit to Holyrood on Saturday, were met by presiding officer Alison Johnstone and deputy presiding officers Liam McArthur and Annabelle Ewing.
The royal couple then greeted Holyrood’s party leaders: First Minister and head of the SNP John Swinney, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Scottish Green co-leader Lorna Slater and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton
Addressing the chamber on Saturday, the King said: “This place has not just thrived, but in doing so has borne witness to the enduring relationship between Parliament, the Crown and the people of Scotland.”
The King said the Scottish Parliament has the ability to “touch and to improve the lives of so many individuals”.
Charles referenced the Parliament’s ceremonial mace, saying it has qualities such as “wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity” engraved on it.
He went on: “We are often told that we live in an era of polarisation and division. If that is so, then it is perhaps even more important, not less, that in the vital areas of representation, of political debate, of policy making and of discourse, these values, together with hope, civility and generosity of spirit, are never far from the heart of even the most difficult of issues.
“It seems to me that such an approach is why this parliament has grown in its experience, in its ability to touch and to improve the lives of so many individuals and communities throughout this great land.
“These values and this approach have been championed consistently by the six presiding officers who have served their country faithfully and diligently.”
The King also said Scotland “has always had a uniquely special place” in the hearts of his family.
He said: “We are all, at the end of each day, united by our love of Scotland, because of its natural beauty, of course, but also because of its strength of character, based, as it is, on the extraordinary diversity of its peoples, whose range of ideas, skills, energy, passions and frequently deeply held beliefs never cease to inspire.
“From the central belt to the north Highlands, across the islands in Ayrshire, in the Borders, the cities, towns and villages, all the coastal communities, who I wonder, could not fail to be moved by this complex Caledonian kaleidoscope?
“Speaking from a personal perspective, Scotland has always had a uniquely special place in the hearts of my family and myself.
“My beloved grandmother was proudly Scottish, my late mother especially treasured the time spent at Balmoral, and it was there in the most beloved of places, where she chose to spend her final days.”
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