The Duke of Edinburgh joined Scotland’s newly elected MSPs at St
Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh on Wednesday for the traditional
Royal Kirking of Parliament.
Prince Edward attended the centuries-old ceremony marking the
beginning of a new parliamentary session following last week’s
Scottish Parliament election.
The service, held in the historic cathedral on Edinburgh’s Royal
Mile, brought together politicians, faith leaders and
representatives from across Scottish civic life ahead of Holyrood’s
first sitting on Thursday.
The Duke of Edinburgh was among the congregation during the
ceremonial service, which featured hymns, prayers and choral
performances beneath the cathedral’s stone arches.
Following the ceremony, the King’s younger brother met party
leaders and parliamentary staff at a reception held at the
neighbouring Signet Library.
The annual Kirking ceremony is one of the most significant
events in Scotland’s parliamentary calendar and symbolises
reflection and unity ahead of a new political term.
In her sermon, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the
Church of Scotland, the Right Reverend Rosie Frew, urged MSPs to be
guided by the values inscribed on the Scottish Parliament’s
ceremonial mace – wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity.
The mace was gifted to Holyrood by Queen Elizabeth II when the
Scottish Parliament reconvened in 1999.
Addressing both new and returning MSPs, Rev Frew described the
new parliamentary term as “a new beginning”.
“We’ve had an election, and by their very nature elections are
combative,” she said.
“And yet as politicians regardless of party, there is so much
that you have in common.”
She added that public service was about “serving the welfare of
others” rather than personal recognition.
The service also included a number of interfaith blessings on
Parliament and marked the first time a pagan blessing had been
included during a Kirking ceremony.
Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone delivered one of the readings
during the service and later spoke with Prince Edward during the
reception afterwards.
The Duke’s appearance comes as he continues to undertake an
increasingly prominent role within the Royal Family following the
King’s accession.
Prince Edward has frequently represented the monarch at
ceremonial and national events across the United Kingdom and has
become one of the monarchy’s busiest working royals in recent
years.