King Charles has urged MSPs to treat each other ‘with respect and courtesy’ during a ceremony to mark the opening of the seventh session of the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking before MSPs and dignitaries at Holyrood, and joined by Queen Camilla, the monarch called for politicians to lead the country by example as he opened the new session of the Scottish Parliament.

The monarch also highlighted the need for ‘civil debate’ and ‘cooperation’ in a world of ‘accelerating challenge’.

Addressing lawmakers, he said: ‘With the knowledge that you are custodians of the democratic traditions long nurtured in these islands, let's continue to show by example that debate can be carried out with respect and courtesy; that disagreement is possible while honouring one another’s dignity; and it is recognised that whatever views may exist as to the means, that all those engaged in public service are seeking the same end – the good of the society we serve.’

His Majesty, wearing a traditional kilt and Queen Camilla, who was dressed in a forest green jacket, green feathered hat and red tartan skirt, were led in to the parliamentary chamber alongside Presiding Officer Kenny Gibson, taking their seats on the elevated podium of the presiding officer’s desk.

The Mace, Elizabeth Sword and Crown of Scotland were carried in by a procession which featured three Team Scotland athletes preparing for this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The crown, borne by the Duke of Hamilton, was taken on a procession of its own from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile and in to Holyrood, escorted by members of the 19th Regiment Royal Artillery and the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland. 

An estimated 4000 onlookers watched the spectacle.

Before the ceremony at least four soldiers who were accompanying the royal visit were seen being taken in to the parliament building after becoming ill or fainting outside in the humid 24C temperatures.

The mace, carried by Scottish Parliament postman Robert White, was placed before the royal couple, accompanied by a fanfare composed by Sir James MacMillan KT CBE, conducted by John Logan and performed by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Brass Ensemble.

After being welcomed by Mr Gibson, the monarch reminded MSPs that the decisions they made in Holyrood ‘will be felt far beyond its walls’ and said: ‘As you assemble to begin this new session, you do so at a time when many across the land are struggling, and all of us are facing an uncertain world.

‘As well as looking to this Parliament as an example of civil debate, people across Scotland look for leadership and for practical action to help build a fair, resilient and prosperous society.

‘Meeting that expectation demands resolve, cooperation and an honest, unwaivering focus on the priorities that matter most to those you represent.’

The King also made reference to his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, and said she had opened the very first session of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 when she spoke about the ‘heavy burden of responsibility carried by its members on behalf of the Scottish people.’

He added: ‘Ever since, this parliament has stood as a powerful expression of Scotland’s democratic tradition.’

Turning to one of his most important subjects, King Charles said parliament’s work included ‘protecting Scotland’s extraordinary natural environment’ and said: ‘When I spoke in this chamber on the 25th anniversary of the creation of this parliament, I referred to the challenges we all share as inhabitants of a planet whose climate is changing dangerously and whose biodiversity is being seriously depleted.

‘I make no apology for referring again to the incredible importance of protecting Scotland’s natural capital, something, as you know, I have cared about deeply throughout my life.

‘It has long been my most fundamental belief that the natural world and human communities are not competing interests but deeply interwoven ones, that there is an essential harmony between the health of our planet and the natural systems on which we depend and the health of the people that live upon the earth.’

The King added: ‘In a global situation of rapid and seemingly accelerating challenge, there will, inevitably, be some aims which can be attained, and others, even with the best efforts, which will remain ambitions only.

‘But while the outcome might not always be yours to deliver, the manner in which it is pursued lies always within your power.’

The First Minister responded to the King’s address by also alluding to the division within the current political climate.

He said that with ‘uncertainty fuelling deep, personal anxiety, powerful forces bent on division, new politics is, for us, the basis for a renewed hope’.

John Swinney said: ‘The question today is will we, collectively, live out the new culture of politics that was part of the founding promise, indeed the founding spirit of this place?’

Mr Swinney’s speech was followed by a reading from Scotland’s makar Peter Mackay, who delivered a poem in Gaelic called Let This Hall Be Full Of Noises.

The poem featured seven stanzas of seven lines to mark the seventh session of parliament.

Before the event, Mr Mackay said: ‘If there is a political message, it’s to do what’s right, to take things seriously, to feel the responsibility of power, and to consider all of the country and all of its different diverse locations.

‘Everybody has to be reflected and to have their voices heard.’

Harpist Rachel Groves and vocalist Ellie Beaton performed Robert Burns’s Ae Fond Kiss.

To close the meeting, the Parliament’s piper, MSP Stuart McMillan, performed Bonnie Dundee and a Hundred Pipers in the members’ garden as the King and Queen departed.

The royal couple also welcomed a group of 129 ‘local heroes’ nominated by each MSP who the King said should take pride in their achievements in the community.

The King made reference to the Tartan Army which brought a chuckle to the chamber.