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British RoyalsPrince & Princess of Wales

Prince William speaks about personal memories of Scotland in General Assembly opening speech

The Duke of Cambridge spoke of his great love for Scotland in a speech to open the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Prince William, known as the Earl of Strathearn in Scotland, said that his appointment as Lord High Commissioner was “both a great honour, and a humbling opportunity,” and that his role is to “reassure you of [The Queen’s] pledge to preserve and uphold the rights and privileges of the Church of Scotland.”

The Duke continued, saying that while he is in Scotland over the next week, he looks forward to seeing and hearing about “the way faith manifests itself in people’s everyday lives and in the work of the Church of Scotland. And the challenges and opportunities faced by people, old and young, and their hopes and aspirations for the future.”

He continued: “Over the next few days and in different parts of Scotland, I’ll be keen to learn how people and organisations are tackling head-on some of the biggest problems of our time, including mental health, homelessness and addiction.

“And you won’t be surprised to hear I’m looking forward to seeing examples of how innovation and determined ambition can help find solutions to the global environmental challenges we are all facing on this planet.

“Most of all, I want to mark, recognise and celebrate the brilliant and compassionate work Scots have done and continue to do to support each other through this harrowing pandemic.”

Prince William added, “As we try to emerge from a long period of uncertainty and turmoil, I am grateful for the chance I will get this week to really listen, with humility and compassion, to many people in Scotland, from all walks of life, from different traditions, and from all faiths, and none.”

Prince William then opened up about his personal connection to Scotland, and how deeply his family cherishes the time they spend in the country. He said: “I’ve been coming to Scotland since I was a small boy.

“As I grew up, I saw how my grandmother relishes every minute she spends here.

“And my father is never happier than when walking among the hills.

“My childhood was full of holidays having fun in the fresh air and swimming in lochs, family barbeques with my grandfather in command, and yes – the odd midge.

“I spent four very happy and formative years studying in St Andrews. The town and the students left me alone to get on with student life, allowing me to share their freedoms and their pubs.

“I did training as a pilot in Inverness. As well as enjoying the camaraderie of my colleagues, it was a privilege to see the majestic sights of Scotland from the air.

“In short, Scotland is the source of some of my happiest memories.

“But also, my saddest. 

“I was in Balmoral when I was told that my mother had died.

“Still in shock, I found sanctuary in the service at Crathie Kirk that very morning.

“And in the dark days of grief that followed, I found comfort and solace in the Scottish “outdoors.

“As a result, the connection I feel to Scotland will forever run deep.

“And yet alongside this painful memory, is one of great joy.

“Because it was here in Scotland – twenty years ago this year – that I first met Catherine.

“Needless to say, the town where you meet your future wife holds a very special place in your heart.

“George, Charlotte and Louis already know how dear Scotland is to both of us, and they are starting to build their own happy memories here too.

“We have no doubt they will grow up sharing our love and connection to Scotland from the Highlands to the Central Belt, from the Islands to the Borders.”

Finally, Prince William touched upon the resiliency of the Scottish people over the last year of the coronavirus pandemic, and noted the important role that the Church of Scotland had played in supporting the local communities and their most vulnerable citizens.

He said: “You have re-imagined yourselves, helping to reach out to those who need it the most. Lightening the load of isolation, and ensuring that people are safe, and not forgotten.

“So, although it might seem odd to say it – it’s almost more fitting that the majority of people are joining the General Assembly this week via Zoom from the comfort of their living rooms and kitchens.

“Because that is where the Church has truly come alive during the course of the pandemic.

“You have looked beyond the boundaries of your congregations to become agents of support and comfort to your wider community.

“You have drawn new members to online services from around the globe.

“You have embraced change, and found new life, purpose and energy through your willingness to adapt.

“And I imagine some of us will have been reminded afresh that the true power of the Church, and perhaps its future, lies not simply in the Kirk buildings we all love, but in the values of peace, healing and ‘love for thy neighbour’ that are very much alive in our parishes and communities.”

Prince William then officially opened the General Assembly, and will give a closing ceremony speech at the end of the proceedings. He and Catherine will then undertake a visit of the country, with stops in Edinburgh, Fife, and Orkney.

About author

Jess Ilse is the Assistant Editor at Royal Central. She specialises in the British, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Royal Families and has been following royalty since Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Jess has provided commentary for media outlets in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Jess works in communications and her debut novel THE MAJESTIC SISTERS will publish in Fall 2024.