Her Majesty's hope for 'sense of renewal'

THE Queen called for hope and optimism as she began an autumn whirlwind of engagements – her busiest season for a decade.

- Mike Parker

At the state opening of the Scottish Parliament yesterday, she spoke publicly of her late husband the Duke of Edinburgh for the first time since he died in April at 99.

Her Majesty is also playing a key role in a charm offensive to strengthen the union between Scotland and the rest of the UK.

She said: “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 eyes of the world will be on the United Kingdom, and Scotland in particular, at next month’s UN global climate summit.”

The Queen said she would attend some of the Cop26 events in Glasgow and urged Members of the Scottish Parliament to “help create a better, healthier future” by tackling climate change.

There are seven engagements on the 95-year-old monarch’s October calendar already, with more expected. Aides have suggested that while she made the best of video calling in the pandemic and after Prince Philip’s death, the Queen is particularly keen to meet people again and be more visible.

The address marked the end of her annual Balmoral holiday. She was joined by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.