Overview
- The King and Queen formally opened the seventh session of the Scottish Parliament on Saturday, June 27, 2026, with traditional pageantry including the Crown of Scotland, the Elizabeth Sword and the mace brought into Holyrood.
- In his address the King pressed MSPs to safeguard Scotland’s ‘precious natural capital’ and asked that parliamentary debate be carried out with respect and courtesy.
- The ceremony featured Scottish cultural performances by the National Youth Choir of Scotland, the National Theatre of Scotland and a Gaelic poem by Scotland’s makar, and a youth guard of honour including Team Scotland athletes.
- After the sitting the royal couple met local people nominated by MSPs as ‘local heroes’ in recognition of community service.
- Coverage also noted Royal Week plans in Scotland, public reaction to Queen Camilla’s tartan outfit and a separate announcement that Prince Harry and Meghan will bring Archie and Lilibet to the U.K. in July with no public appearances planned for the children.