Kate and William “fully adhered” to all rules when they travelled 1,250 miles around the UK last month over a three day period to personally thank people who had made a difference during the covid pandemic. But their trip was marred by the First Minister publicly warning that the Scottish Government was concerned about the visit due to restrictions over essential travel in place at the time. Now, a Freedom of Information request made by Scottish newspaper The National has shown that Scottish government officials had also emailed the royal household several times to warn that the “major impact” the tour would bring.
One email sent on November 12 by the principal private secretary to Mrs Sturgeon, highlighted one of their stops was particularly concerning as it would involve being greeted by a bagpiper at Edinburgh’s main train station before then visiting the Scottish Ambulance Service.
A spokesperson for Duke and Duchess of Cambridge responded the couple followed the rules and were travelling for work purposes.
They told BAZAAR: “The same guidance we gave last month [before the tour] still stands.
“The Duke and Duchess were travelling for work purposes and all rules were fully adhered to.
“The trip was planned in consultation with the U.K., Scottish and Welsh governments.”
Mrs Sturgeon had told reporters before the couple’s arrival in Edinburgh at the time: “The Scottish government was advised about the intention to visit, and we made sure that the royal Household was aware, as you would expect, of the restrictions in place in Scotland so that could inform both the decision and the planning of the visit.
“Any more questions on that should be directed to the royal household.”
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8am update: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s return to UK will cause ‘serious headache’ for Queen
Speculation about the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes’ return to Britain has erupted in recent weeks as the couple are due to review their Megxit arrangements in March. Meghan and Harry stepped down as senior members of the Royal Family last year to seek financial independence.
As part of their deal with the Queen, Meghan and Harry agreed to have a 12-month review with the Palace.
Reports of the Sussexes attendance at the Queen’s 95th birthday celebrations have also circulated which one royal expert has claimed might be “painful” for the Royal Family.
Royal commentator, Daniela Elser, wrote on news.com.au: “On a personal level, everyone from the Queen down would surely be thrilled to have Harry, Meghan and perhaps even Archie back, however, on a regal level, their re-entry into the rarefied royal ecosystem could pose a serious headache for the palace.”
