Queen Elizabeth Gives Sweet Nod To Prince Philip In First Solo Appearance At Scottish Parliament

When Queen Elizabeth opened the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood in Edinburgh, Scotland last week, she publicly commented on her husband Prince Philip for the first time since his death back in April. 

Queen Elizabeth Nods To Her Beloved Husband Prince Philip In Speech

During their 73 years of marriage, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip spent many summers at Balmoral Castle, which is the royal residence in Scotland.

Here is a sweet memory of the Royal couple in Scotland back in 1959:

“I have spoken before of my deep and abiding affection for this wonderful country and of the many happy memories Prince Philip and I always held of our time here,” the 95 year-old monarch told lawmakers during the ceremony, according to Fox News. 

This marked the first time that the Queen had ever opened a new session of the Scottish Parliament without Philip by her side.

Related: Prince Philip Described As ‘Heaven-Sent’ For The Queen In This Intimate Look At Their 73-Year Marriage

The Queen Honors Scotland 

“The beginning of a new session is a time for renewal and fresh thinking, providing an opportunity to look to the future and our future generations,” the Queen continued in her speech. 

The Queen went on to explain that this opportunity is an especially big one this year, with the United Nations’ annual climate summit scheduled to take place between October 31 and November 12 in Glasgow. The monarch added that she will personally be attending the event.

“The eyes of the world will be on the United Kingdom — and Scotland, in particular — as leaders come together to address the challenges of climate change,” she said.

You can watch the Queen’s full speech in the video below.

Related: Queen Elizabeth Gets Good News From Judge – Prince Philip’s Will To Remain Sealed To Protect Her

Scotland’s First Minister Honors Queen Elizabeth

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, responded to the Queen’s touching speech by offering her “deep sympathy and shared sorrow” over Philip’s death.

She then thanked the Queen for being a “steadfast friend” of the Scottish Parliament since it was established back in 1999.

“As we battle through the storm of a global pandemic, hope and the hankering for change is perhaps felt more strongly by more people than at any time in our recent history,” Sturgeon said. 

While Sturgeon is a member of the Scottish National Party, which strives for their country to be independent from the United Kingdom, it still holds the policy of retaining the monarchy. 

Philip tragically passed away back in April, just two months shy of his 100th birthday.

After a period of mourning, the Queen has since returned to her royal duties as she prepares to celebrate her record-setting 70 years in the British throne next year with her Platinum Jubilee. 

While the loss of her husband was clearly devastating for the Queen, Philip would undoubtedly be very proud to see her getting back to the royal duties that gave both of them so much joy during their lives together. 

Given Scotland was such a special place for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, it’s only fitting she’d remember him there.