The King then addressed the chamber to formally open the parliamentary session.

He said: "From its proud history and its treasured customs to the remarkable beauty of its land, it is the warmth and spirit of the people of Scotland that leave the deepest impression upon us and continue to inspire admiration."

The King said that since his late mother opened Holyrood in 1999 it had stood as a "powerful expression of Scotland's democratic tradition".

He also urged MSPs to show that debate could be "carried out with respect and courtesy" and that "disagreement is possible while honouring one's dignity".

And he said everyone in public service should be "seeking the good of the people we serve".

King Charles told the audience: "People across Scotland look for leadership and for practical action to help build a fair and prosperous society."

The monarch also highlighted his concerns for the environment when he last spoke in the chamber in 2024 and he revisited the theme on Saturday.

He told MSPs the planet's climate was "changing dangerously" and warned its biodiveristy was being "seriously depleted".