King Charles delivered a powerful speech as he opened the seventh session of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood on Saturday.
The 77-year-old monarch called on MSPs to protect Scotland’s natural heritage and called for ‘respect and dignity in the face of an accelerating challenge’.
The royal addresses shared on the royal family’s official Instagram account hours after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle confirmed they will travel to the UK with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
In a historic speech, the 77-year-old, who is battling an unspecified form of cancer, urged parliamentarians to ensure the debate “is conducted with respect and civility.”
Prince William and Harry’s father made it clear he would not apologize for returning to the theme of environmental stewardship, describing it as a matter of “incredible importance” to protect what he called Scotland’s “precious natural capital”.
He went on to explain that the natural world and human communities are fundamentally connected rather than in competition with each other.
“There is an essential harmony between the health of our planet, the natural systems on which we depend, and the health of the people who live on Earth,” he told the audience.
Archie and Princess Lilibet’s grandfather also acknowledged that in an era of “rapid and seemingly accelerating challenges”, not all ambitions would be realized despite the best intentions.
But he reminded the audience: “But while the result may not always be yours to deliver, the manner in which it is pursued is always within your power.
“With that in mind, and in the knowledge that you are custodians of the democratic traditions that have long been nurtured in these islands – traditions of which Scotland’s honors are a powerful reminder – let us continue to show by example that debate can be conducted with respect and civility, that disagreement is possible while honoring each other’s dignity.
“And it is recognized—whatever views may exist as to the means—that all those engaged in public service seek the same end—the best for the community we serve.”
The King, who was accompanied by his wife Queen Camilla, met community champions nominated by MSPs.
First Minister John Swinney responded by suggesting that amid “uncertainty feeding deep, personal anxiety” and divisive forces, a new approach to politics could provide the basis for “renewed hope”.
He questioned whether parliamentarians would collectively embrace the new political culture that formed part of Holyrood’s founding promise.
