Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Jane McLeod

Royal sent to Scotland to 'spread joy' during Queen's Jubilee

Members of the royal family are being sent around the UK to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee

MEMBERS of the royal family are being sent across the UK, including Scotland, to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.

Princess Anne will head north of the Border as part of efforts to “spread joy” and “shore up the Union”, according to the Scottish Daily Express.

During the extended Bank Holiday Jubilee weekend to mark the monarch’s 70-year reign, William and Kate will also visit Wales while the Earl and Countess of Wessex will visit Northern Ireland.

All members of the monarchy will attend public events over the weekend celebrating the Platinum Jubilee.

Charles and Camilla are likely to be in the capital attending events over the four-day weekend in June and it is not know which engagements the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will participate in.

Harry and Meghan confirmed on Friday, also their son Archie’s third birthday, that they were “excited and honoured” to attend the commemorations for the monarch’s milestone in June with their eldest child and his sister Lilibet.

The royal visits will follow reports that the Queen wants to spend more time in Scotland to strengthen support for the Union.

The 96-year-old monarch is said to have informed palace insiders she does not want to see Scotland leave the UK under her watch – with another independence referendum scheduled for 2023.

Royal sources say the Queen plans to spend more time in Scotland as the campaign to secure another referendum intensifies.

A royal source told the Sun on Sunday: “Protocol prevents her from expressing a political opinion but she wants the people of Scotland to know of her wish that they reject independence.

"The country and Balmoral has been an incredibly important part of her life. She has always been keen to stress that she is the Queen of the entire UK."

The Scottish Greens said the reports suggest the Queen has a better grasp of the climate in Scotland than the Prime Minister.

A spokesperson for the party said: "We welcome the recognition from the palace that a referendum on independence will take place, and advise royal sources to inform Boris Johnson.”

Nicola Sturgeon said on Monday that her government will refresh the “very positive case” for Scottish independence.

The First Minister added: “I think there’s a growing sense that the UK in its current state is not serving the needs of Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland or perhaps even England appropriately.

“And I think we will see big changes in the years to come and I’m convinced one of those changes will be Scottish independence.”

On June 2, Trooping the Colour, the sovereign’s official birthday parade, will kick start the four days of Jubilee festivities.

With the Queen expected to appear on the balcony for Trooping, attend the Epsom Derby and a church service at St Paul’s Cathedral, decisions on her appearances across the weekend are not likely to be confirmed until the day.

A palace spokesman said: “The Queen is looking forward to the weekend and will be taking part in the celebrations but her presence will not be confirmed until much nearer the time or even on the day itself.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.