Charles III made his first visit to the Scottish Parliament as king today where he paid tribute to his late mother the Queen by quoting Robert Burns.
Central Edinburgh had earlier came to a standstill as the coffin of Elizabeth II was transported from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles' cathedral, where a memorial service was held.
The new king then travelled to the Scottish Parliament with his wife, the Queen Consort, where the couple were welcomed by Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone.
Speaking to MSPs, Charles quoted one of the most famous works by Burns - Epitaph on my own Friend.
He said: "If I might paraphrase the words of the great Robert Burns, my dear mother was 'the friend of man, the friend of truth, the friend of age, and guide of youth - few hearts like his-with virtue warm'd, few heads with knowledge so informed'".
He added: "I know that the Scottish Parliament and the people of Scotland share with me a profound sense of grief at the death of my beloved mother.
"Through all the years of her reign, the Queen like so many generations of our family before her, found in the hills of this land and in the hearts of its people, a haven and a home."
The King then said his other Scottish titles including Duke of Rothesay had now passed to his son William.
He said: “I take up my new duties with thankfulness for all that Scotland has given me. With resolve to seek always the welfare of our country and its people and with wholehearted trust in your goodwill and good counsel as we take forward that task together.”
Nicola Sturgeon earlier paid tribute to the late monarch as a "sure and steadfast friend" of the Scottish Parliament.
She said Scotland “stands ready” to support King Charles III as he continues his mother’s legacy of public service.
“We are honoured by the presence today of His Majesty, King Charles III, and The Queen Consort,” she said.
“Your Majesty, we stand ready to support you, as you continue your own life of service – and as you build on the extraordinary legacy of your beloved mother, our Queen.
“Queen Elizabeth, Queen of Scots – we are grateful for her life.
“May She now rest in peace.”
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