Alex Salmond has said he believes Charles III will be the 'last King of the Scots' in an interview with Andrew Marr.
The former First Minister said he thought the monarchy's role will be 'limited' when asked about what the future holds for the royals in Scotland.
The leader of the Alba party also blasted current First Minister Humza Yousaf saying he looked like a ‘pet poodle’ following the Stone of Destiny out of Edinburgh Castle. It left Scotland as it is to be used as part of the Coronation on Saturday.
Speaking on Tonight with Andrew Marr on LBC, Salmond said: " I think Scotland will become independent... and I think the majority of people will want to start on the basis of an elected Head of State. If you're starting a new country, then presumably, you start on the premise of a democracy. And in that sense, I think Charles III will be the last King of Scots.’"
Salmond also told Marr he would have ordered Police Scotland to guard the Stone of Destiny and prevent it leaving Scotland commenting, ‘You could have put a ring of policemen around Edinburgh Castle.’
Yousaf followed the Stone of Destiny in a ceremony as the historic object left Edinburgh Castle for the Coronation in London last week. It was the first time it had left since 1996.
In preparation for its temporary departure, a ceremonial procession took place from the castle’s Great Hall on Friday, led by the Lord Lyon King of Arms - the monarch’s representative in Scotland.
First Minister Humza Yousaf was in attendance in his capacity as the Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland.
Speaking on the event, Salmond said: "In the ceremony, the First Minister of Scotland was like some sort of pet poodle parading on behind it. Can I just say that if I were First Minister, and they'll be a collective sigh of relief I'm not, the stone would not be going anywhere.
"The Stone of Destiny is the most ancient symbol of Scottish sovereignty. I mean, I know it's just a lump of rock, but it's our lump of rock.
"And of course, you have to understand why it was taken from Scotland by Edward Plantagenet in 1296 in the first place. Edward took it to Westminster Abbey, to sit on it to symbolise English overlordship over Scotland, that's why it was there... It's a symbol.
"And symbols are important, and politicians do not understand the importance of history and symbolism. Basically, the First Minister should have said in my estimation, politely, but firmly, the stone ain't going anywhere until the Westminster Government or King Charles III recognises the right of self-determination of the Scottish people."
Salmond also told Marr: "He looked a bit like a pet poodle, Humza. I'm not sure if he thought he was meant to be smiling or look solemn. I don't think he knew if he was meant to be upset that the stone was leaving Scotland or pleased it was to take such an important part in the ceremony.
"Look, the opportunity was there to make a simple statement in defence of the country and the realm. And I'm sure it would have commanded worldwide attention.
"You don't command very much as First Minister of Scotland, but you do command the Scottish Police Force, you could have put a ring of policemen around Edinburgh Castle. Have a standoff on the Esplanade and politely explain to the world that Scotland should not sacrifice its symbol of sovereignty until that sovereignty is at least a recognised by Westminster and the powers that are."
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