Nicola Sturgeon met the Queen at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh today and gave her a bottle of whisky.
The First Minister presented Queen Elizabeth II with some presents, as the Royal Family enjoy their annual pilgrimage to Scotland. The week-long tour was arranged at short notice and is her first appearance in public since the Platinum Jubilee.
A video captured the encounter and Ms Sturgeon explaining the significance of each of the gifts. It starts as Nicola Sturgeon walks into a room in Holyrood House and the Queen wishes her a ‘good morning.’
The First Minister bows her head, and says: “Your Majesty, how lovely to see you. Welcome, I’m so glad you have been able to come to Edinburgh.”
The Queen replies: “I know, it is very nice to be back again.”
Queen Elizabeth then gesticulates to sit down but when she turns around she notices the gifts on a desk and points to one and says: “That must be whisky.”
Nicola Sturgeon then takes time to tell her majesty about each item on the table, including a tartan throw and a graphic showing plans to plant native trees nearby. She says: “This is whisky. It is a limited edition of Johnny Walker, with a design that is intended to reflect the Scottish environment.
“This is a throw that was designed to mark the three Forth bridges, with a special tartan."
The video ends as the Queen thanks the First Minister and says: “What a nice thing to have.”
The Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, Prince Edward and Sophie are all in Scotland supporting Her Royal Highness with her duties. The Queen is expected to remain in residence at the Palace of Holyrood House until July 1.
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