King and Queen To Open Next Scottish Parliament Term at 'Milestone' Ceremony

The King and Queen will attend a 'milestone' ceremony at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood on 27 June to formally open the next parliamentary term following May's election.

Ceremony Highlights

King Charles is scheduled to deliver the formal address. The programme will include performances by the National Theatre of Scotland and the National Youth Choir of Scotland.

Scotland's national poet, makar Padraig MacAoidh, will present a specially commissioned piece, Let This Hall Be Full Of Noises, reading it in Gaelic with an accompanying English translation.

After the official proceedings, the King and Queen will meet local heroes chosen by MSPs to represent constituencies and regions across Scotland.

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 royal couple were also present at a special Holyrood event in 2024 to mark the parliament's 25th anniversary; Gibson described their support for the parliament as 'steadfast.' He added: '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.' Gibson said he looked forward to celebrating 'the very best of Scotland, reflecting on our heritage, acknowledging our traditions, but most importantly with a focus on our future.'