HUMZA Yousaf was the only party leader not to say “God save the King” as he led a parliamentary debate following the coronation.
During the 20-minute session, the First Minister spoke to the unopposed motion: "That the Parliament congratulates their majesties the King and the Queen on the occasion of their coronation; expresses its gratitude for their majesties’ public service to Scotland, and affirms the deep respect that is held for their majesties in Scotland."
During his contribution to the chamber, Yousaf acknowledged the “varied views about the monarchy in Scotland” and did not conclude his remarks with “God save the King” as the other three leaders taking part did.
The Scottish Greens, who attended the republican rally held on Calton Hill on Saturday, did not participate in the motion.
Yousaf said: “There are, of course, varied views about the monarchy in Scotland. However what is indisputable is the incredible work that the Prince’s Trust has done with young people over many years right across the UK, including here in Scotland too.”
“Its work is an important and enduring aspect of his majesty’s contribution to our society.”
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The First Minister also recognised that both the King and Queen Camilla undertook their first royal engagements in Scotland - the King in 1965 at a lunch held at Holyrood Palace, and Queen Camilla in 2005 opening a school in Scotland.
Concluding, Yousaf said: “Whatever our constitutional views are, I think it’s right this parliament marks this moment by wishing them well.
“In doing so, we congratulate their majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla on their coronation and we thank them for their continuing service to Scotland, and we commit ourselves to working with them, helping them, in discharging the great responsibilities that they hold.
"Presiding officer, I move the motion in my name.”
Douglas Ross said attending the coronation was a privilege and ended his speech by saying: “I close by repeating the words that we as a congregation said on Saturday: Long live King Charles, God save the King.”
Anas Sarwar ended his with: “I wish the King and Queen a long and happy reign. God save the King.”
LibDem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “Saturday marked a moment in our national story, a turning of the page, and I was very glad to have been a tiny part of that. God save the King.”
When asked afterwards why he didn’t say God save the King, Yousaf went into a ministerial lift in Holyrood and said he’d said it during Saturday’s service in Westminster Abbey.
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