Queen gives Prince William new title to strengthen tie to Scotland amid independence bid

QUEEN ELIZABETH II has trusted her grandson and heir Prince William with an important role.

By Alice Scarsi, Deputy World News Editor

Prince William: Expert discusses royal's future titles

The Queen has approved the appointment of Prince William as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland this year, Kensington Palace has announced. The Lord High Commissioner is the personal representative of the sovereign to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

It reflects the Church's role as the national church of Scotland and the monarch's role as protector and member of the Church.

The Duke of Cambridge had already been chosen for this ceremonial role last year. 

However, the General Assembly was cancelled last May due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Assembly is a week-long event dating back to the 16th century.   

queen news prince william title Lord High Commissioner General Assembly of Church Scotland

Queen news: The Queen has trusted Prince William with a new ceremonial title (Image: GETTY)

queen news prince william title Lord High Commissioner General Assembly of Church Scotland

Queen news: The Queen and Prince William during the Festival of Remembrance (Image: GETTY)

This year it will take place at the Assembly Hall in Edinburgh from May 22.  

However, most people will attend the event remotely due to the ongoing coronavirus restrictions. 

The only people attending the General Assembly in person will be people running the proceedings, reporters and those live streaming and recording the event for the public to watch. 

The decision to confirm the Duke of Cambridge, who bears the title of Earl of Strathearn in Scotland, as Lord High Commissioner this year has been hailed by Rev Dr George Whyte, the Principal Clerk of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. 

READ MORE: 'You were wrong!' UK turns on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in poll

queen news prince william title Lord High Commissioner General Assembly of Church Scotland

Queen news: The Queen with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in December 2020 (Image: GETTY)

He said: "We are honoured that her Majesty has once again appointed Prince William as Lord High Commissioner. 

"We look forward to welcoming His Royal Highness to the General Assembly." 

The Queen, who acceded to the throne in February 1952 following the death of King George VI, attended the Assembly in person between 1969 and 2002. 

DON'T MISS

queen news prince william title Lord High Commissioner General Assembly of Church Scotland

Queen news: Prince William was first appointed Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2020 (Image: GETTY)

queen news prince william title Lord High Commissioner General Assembly of Church Scotland

Queen news: The Scottish Government published today draft legislation for the holding of a second independence referendum (Image: GETTY)

In her absence, other members of the Royal Family have been regularly appointment for this role - including Prince Charles and Prince Edward.  

In 2017, Princess Anne was chosen for this role.  

The appointment of Prince William was made on the advice of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

It comes at a crucial time for the union, with the Scottish Government publishing today draft legislation for the holding of a second independence referendum.  

queen news prince william title Lord High Commissioner General Assembly of Church Scotland

Queen news: Prince William is the Queen's grandson and third-in-line to the throne (Image: GETTY)

The Scottish National Party (SNP) led by Ms Sturgeon is planning to bring forward the bill if it wins a majority at the upcoming elections in May.

The draft bill proposed the same questions asked in 2014, when Scottish people chose to back the union, and did not set a date for the referendum.

The UK Government has so far rejected the SNP's calls for a new vote on Scotland's independence.

And earlier this month Mr Johnson said he found it "incredible" Ms Sturgeon was pushing for independence at this time. 

queen news prince william title Lord High Commissioner General Assembly of Church Scotland

Queen news: Boris Johnson has so far rejected the SNP's call for a new independence referendum (Image: GETTY)

During a virtual gathering of members of his Conservative Party, Mr Johnson said: “I just find it incredible then that the SNP would choose this moment to again push their campaign for separation.

"Just when everything is beginning to reopen again, when we will soon be reunited with our friends and family, the SNP think that this is the time to turn us all against one another."

While the Queen continues to self-isolate at Windsor Castle and completes her royal duties over the phone or via video link, the Duke of Cambridge is carrying out engagements both remotely and in person. 

Most recently, he and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, visited an ambulance station in Newham, London, to renew their support to frontline workers and hear more which kind of support they have available while fighting the coronavirus pandemic.  

Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?