Queen to address MSPs as part of Scottish Parliament 20th anniversary celebrations

The Queen at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 2016 - Image credit: Scottish Parliament

The Queen is to visit the Scottish Parliament as part of its 20^th anniversary celebrations in June.

The Queen, who will be accompanied by Prince Charles, will give a speech to MSPs in the parliament’s debating chamber during a ceremony on Saturday 29 June, almost 20 years to the day since the parliament received its legal powers.

The day is part of the year long programme of events to mark two decades of devolution.

It will be the ninth time the Queen has addressed the Scottish Parliament, the last time being the opening of the current session in 2016.

The event will also feature performances celebrating the best of Scottish music and culture and MSPs will be joined by a group of young people who were born on 1 July 1999.  

These ‘1 July babies’ have grown up with the parliament and were part of the Parliament’s 10^th anniversary events in 2009.

Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh said: “Since the Scottish Parliament was established nearly two decades ago, Her Majesty the Queen has given us her unwavering support. 

“She addressed the newly elected MSPs in July 1999 as we assumed our legislative powers and she has visited Holyrood many times since, each time with messages of friendship and support.

“It will be a pleasure to welcome Her Majesty and HRH The Duke of Rothesay to the Parliament once again as we celebrate our 20^th year.  

“In the Queen’s address to the Parliament in 1999, she talked about the start of a new constitutional age and the importance of channelling the energy of the young and being open and accessible to serve all the people of Scotland.  

“As we look ahead to our next 20 years, these are messages that still resonate and sit at the heart of what we do”.