The King and the Queen Consort have arrived at the Scottish Parliament, where tributes will shortly be paid to Queen Elizabeth II as part of a motion of condolence in the debating chamber.
They were received in the Queensberry House courtyard by Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone and Deputy Presiding Officers Liam McArthur and Annabelle Ewing.
The King then met leaders of Scotland’s main political parties: Nicola Sturgeon of the SNP, Douglas Ross of the Scottish Conservatives, Anas Sarwar of Scottish Labour, Lorna Slater of the Scottish Greens and Alex Cole-Hamilton of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
Ms Sturgeon said Scotland “stands ready” to support King Charles III as he continues his mother’s legacy of public service.
“We are honoured by the presence today of His Majesty, King Charles III, and The Queen Consort,” she said.
“Your Majesty, we stand ready to support you, as you continue your own life of service – and as you build on the extraordinary legacy of your beloved mother, our Queen.
“Queen Elizabeth, Queen of Scots – we are grateful for her life.
“May She now rest in peace.”
The King spoke about Queen Elizabeth II's "greatest admiration for the Scottish people".
He said: “I know that Scottish Parliament and the people of Scotland share with me a profound sense of grief at the death of my beloved mother.
“Through all the years of her reign, the Queen like so many generations of our family before her, found in the hills of this land and in the hearts of its people, a haven and home.
“My mother felt, as I do, the greatest admiration for the Scottish people for their magnificent achievements and their indomitable spirit.
“And it was the greatest comfort for her to know in turn, the true affection in which she was held.
“The Knowledge of that deep and abiding bond, must be to us a solace as we mourn the end of a life of incomparable service.”
Nicola Sturgeon
GB News
King Charles III
Andrew Milligan
