The co-leader of the Scottish Green party also raised the British Empire, racism and the fight for gay rights as he spoke in a eulogy at Holyrood. In a nod to his own republicanism, the Glasgow MSP said “the tide of progress cannot be stopped” and hoped the king would witness “transformational” change himself. It was the latest royal row involving Mr Harvey, who last year called the monarchy “an outdated, discredited and completely undemocratic institution”. Following the death of his late father the King, Mr Harvey highlighted the Duke of Edinburgh’s “extreme wealth and privilege” during Holyrood tributes to him. He told MSPs he did not want to show the Duke any “personal disrespect” but said it would be “wrong to give a performance of emotions that were not genuinely felt”. In today’s offer of condolence to the Queen, Mr Harvey was more subtle, but no less determined to say something. With the King and Queen Consort sitting next to presiding officer Alison Johnstone, herself a former Green MSP, Mr Harvie said: “The experience of loss is universal. “It comes into all of our lives. It is a reminder that the reality of human life is not rooted in status or title, but in the connections we make; bonds of love and friendship, family and service to another. “People of all opinions can respect that, whatever else we may disagree.” He said he offered his party’s “sincere condolences” to the Queen’s family “and to all those whose lives she touched”, implying he was not in the latter camp. Reflecting on the Queen’s 70-year reign, he said: “At the last coronation, the oath still referred to other countries as holdings of an empire. “And here at home, human rights and equality were distant ideas, with racial discrimination still legal and people treated as criminals and outcasts because of their sexuality. “Now, we can look back and celebrate the extraordinary progressive change, even as we must continue to defend what has been achieved. “There are those for whom the long reign of Elizabeth II, and indeed the institution of the monarchy, represent continuity, stability, permanence. “But in reality the tide of progress cannot be stopped. It is slow as we live it day by day, but over time it is dramatic. “So, Presiding Officer, as Charles III begins his reign, let us hope, indeed, redouble our determination that he will have the opportunity to see the change as transformative and more. It is still needed.” Unlike the leaders of the Tory, Labor and Lib Dem parties, Mr Harvey did not say “God save the king”. Neither is Nicola Sturgeon, who brought Mr Harvie into her government last year. He is currently minister for zero-carbon buildings, active travel and tenants’ rights, a post which adds £31,383 a year to the MSP’s basic salary of £66,662.
