Queen Elizabeth.Photo: ANDREW MILLIGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Queen ElizabethandPrince Charlesboth shared social media posts about Burns Night on Tuesday, but what exactly is the holiday?
On Tuesday, the Queen’s official social media account shared apaintingof Scottish poet Robert Burns as well asquotefrom when the 95-year-old monarch opened Scottish Parliament in 2021.
“It is often said that it is the people that make a place, and there are few places where this is truer than in Scotland, as we have seen in recent times,” the Queen said.
Prince Charlesand Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall’s official Clarence House account also shared a post on Tuesday that said, “Wishing those celebrating a very happy #BurnsNight!”
“Auld Lang Syne” is a poem many Americans will recognize as the song most associated with New Year festivities.
Last year, as Burns Night festivities were being held virtually amid the coronavirus pandemic,Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamsent a message to hospital staff at NHS Tayside thanking them for their work and wishing them well on the holiday.
“Hello to everyone at NHS Tayside,” William said. “We know Burns Night is a special evening for Scots around the world – a time to come together to eat, drink and to celebrate the life and work of Robert Burns.”
Kate (sporting tartan) added, “Sadly this year is a little different. And for many of you working on the frontline, tonight will be a very different occasion, as you work tirelessly through this pandemic to protect the most vulnerable in our society.”
William told the staffers that they would be treated to a traditional haggis dinner to thank them for their sacrifices.
Kate, 40, and William, 39, signed off with “Slàinte Mhath,” a toast to “good health” in Scottish Gaelic.
At the end of the video, the royal holds up a cup and toasts in Scottish Gaelic, raising his glass and taking a sip.
Prince Charle described the poem as “words which have become a symbol of fellowship the world over — and never has that sense of connection been more important than now.”
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Scotland is part of the U.K. (along with England, Wales and Northern Ireland), and it also happens to be home to some of of the royal family’s favorite places. The Queen spends her summer holiday months at herBalmoral Estatein Scotland, which has served as a private retreat for the family for more than 150 years.
In the highlands, the royals like to entertain friends, hold dances, picnic and go on shooting parties — all the while battling the nibbling little flies that stalk the heather-covered mountain sides.
source: people.com
