King Charles gave a powerful speech opening the seventh session of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood on Saturday.
The 77-year-old monarch urged MPs to safeguard Scotland’s natural heritage, calling for “respect and dignity in the face of a growing challenge”.
The King’s speeches were shared on the royal family’s official Instagram account just hours after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle confirmed they will be traveling to the United Kingdom with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
During a historic speech, the 77-year-old, who is battling an unspecified form of cancer, called on MPs to ensure the debate is “conducted with respect and courtesy”.
Prince William and Harry’s father made it clear he would make no apologies for returning to the issue of environmental stewardship, describing it as an issue of “incredible importance” in protecting what he called Scotland’s “precious natural capital.”
He went on to explain that the natural world and human communities are fundamentally interconnected rather than competing with each other.
“There is an essential harmony between the health of our planet, the natural systems we depend on, and the health of the people who live on Earth,” he told the camera.
Archie and Princess Lilibet’s grandfather also acknowledged that in an era of “rapid and seemingly accelerating challenges,” not all ambitions would come true despite the best of intentions.
However, he reminded the camera: “But while the outcome may not always be yours, the way it is pursued is always in your power.
“With that in mind, and knowing that you are custodians of the democratic traditions long cultivated in these islands – traditions of which the Scottish honors before us are a powerful reminder – let us continue to demonstrate by example that debate can be carried out with respect and courtesy, that disagreement is possible while honoring the dignity of others.
“And it is recognized – whatever opinions about the means – that all those who participate in public service seek the same end: the good of the society we serve.”
The King, accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, met with community advocates nominated by the MSPs.
Prime Minister John Swinney responded by suggesting that amid “uncertainty fueling deep personal anxiety” and divisive forces, a new approach to politics could lay the foundation for “renewed hope.”
It raised the question of whether MPs would collectively embrace the new political culture that was part of Holyrood’s founding promise.
