Scottish Greens Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater decline invitation to Scotland's coronation celebration in Edinburgh

The King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland at a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles' Cathedral on Wednesday.

Jenness Mitchell

Scotland reporter

Tuesday 4 July 2023 03:43, UK

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The co-leaders of the Scottish Greens have declined an invitation to take part in Scotland's special celebration of the new King and Queen, saying many people regard the monarchy as a "tiresome spectacle".

The King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland at a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

The festivities - which are part of Royal Week - will also include a People's Procession, a Royal Procession, a 21-gun salute, and a flypast by the Red Arrows.

Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie, who are both ministers in the Scottish government as well as co-leaders of the Scottish Greens, have announced they turned down invitations to attend the church ceremony.

Mr Harvie, MSP for Glasgow, instead plans to speak at a rally outside Holyrood organised by Scottish republican group Our Republic.

Police Scotland said it has been engaging with protest groups ahead of the service.

Mr Harvie said: "There are many people in Scotland who regard the monarchy as a tiresome spectacle and a symbol of values we don't hold.

"I will be proud to speak at the Our Republic rally and to stand with others who want to build a more democratic society where power and wealth belongs to the people rather than being passed down as an inheritance.

"That is just one reason why I support Scottish independence. It will give us the opportunity to ask the big questions about how we are ruled and to build a fairer and more equal society."

Ms Slater, MSP for Lothian, added that in a 21st century Scotland, the monarchy "is nothing to celebrate".

She added: "It is an out-of-date and undemocratic institution.

"How can we justify a system that allows one family to enjoy so much unearned wealth and privilege at a time when millions of people have so little?

"Scotland can be a modern and democratic republic with an elected and accountable head of state.

"I want every child in Scotland to know they live in a genuine democracy and that they can achieve the highest office, regardless of which family they come from."

The royal celebrations on Wednesday will begin around lunchtime.

Timings

1.15pm: People鈥檚 Procession departs Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
1.30pm: People鈥檚 Procession arrives at St Giles鈥� Cathedral.
1.40pm: The Honours of Scotland leave Edinburgh Castle Esplanade under military escort.
1.40pm: Military pipe and drums bands and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment move from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to West Parliament Square.
1.50pm: The Honours of Scotland arrive at West Parliament Square by vehicle.
2.05pm: Royal Procession leaves the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
2.10pm: Royal Procession arrives at St Giles鈥� Cathedral.
2.15pm: National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication begins.
3.15pm: Service ends.
3.20pm: The King and Queen exit St Giles鈥� to a gun salute from Edinburgh Castle.
3.27pm: Royal party arrive at Palace of Holyroodhouse.
3.40pm: RAF flypast down the Royal Mile.

First Minister Humza Yousaf, who is himself a republican, will be attending the ceremony.

He previously said: "I will attend the service at St Giles' Cathedral and I look forward to representing the people of Scotland at this historic event."

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