Nicola Sturgeon accused of 'recycling' speech by Ross

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Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles are in Scotland this week as they visited the Ballater Community & Heritage Hub in Ballater, Aberdeenshire.

The couple also enjoyed a quick promenade around the Scottish village and chatted to locals.

The relationship between the Royal Family and Scotland could be crucial in the next few years as the SNP push for independence.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s recent pact with the Scottish Greens has led to heated debate in Scotland.

The Greens in Holyrood have previously claimed that the monarchy would “hold back” an independent Scotland.

In a statement published in March, co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “The revelations from the last few days, and other recent scandals, raise serious questions about the attitudes and values of the Royal Family and those around them.

“They also serve as a reminder that the Monarchy itself is an outdated, discredited and totally undemocratic institution.

“As we look to the future that Scotland can have as a fairer, greener and independent country, it is clear that asking the people to choose a modern, democratically accountable head of state would be the best step forward.

“The idea that any family has the right to such status based on hereditary titles and unearned wealth would hold Scotland back, and it’s not one that the Scottish Greens will ever support.

“Their shooting and hunting estates can be put to better use serving the local communities and creating more jobs.

“The Scotland that we want to build is one that will challenge entrenched inequality and privilege, not put it right at the heart of power.”

Ms Sturgeon hasn’t been as vocal against the monarchy, but did say in 2019 there is a “debate to be had” over its future after controversy surrounding Prince Andrew and allegations of sexual assault made against him.

She said: “I think it raises a number of questions. I think there is a debate to be had about the longer-term future of the monarchy.

“One of the things though in the context of Prince Andrew that I feel very strongly about is that a debate about the monarchy shouldn’t be a distraction from Epstein’s victims and how they now get whatever justice they can get and get the truth and the ability to move on.

“And I think while, yes, there is a debate to be had about the former, I don’t think it should become conflated with that or be used in any way to sort of take attention from that.”

A poll released in June found that Scotland would keep the monarchy if it gained independence.

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The research conducted by Panelbase for the Sunday Times found that 47 percent of Scottish adults would vote to keep a royal head of state.

This is compared to the 35 percent who would favour an elected head of state, such as the presidency system in use in Ireland.

Eighteen per cent of respondents were unsure how they would vote on the issue.

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