The Queen marked the twentieth anniversary of the Scottish Parliament with a speech urging MSPs to "strengthen the bonds" of partnership at home and abroad.

In a measured address at Holyrood, the monarch also noted that while the "remarkable" Parliament is a place to hear views that may differ, it is also somewhere to "honour those views."

Her Majesty's speech came against a backdrop of unprecedented political upheaval over Brexit, Theresa May's resignation as Prime Minister, and the possibility of a second independence referendum.

The ceremony took place almost twenty years to the day since the Parliament officially assumed its legal powers on July 1, 1999.

Some of the young people born on that date joined MSPs to take part in the event.

Ahead of the Queen's arrival, the Crown of Scotland was brought in a procession from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood, carried by the Duke of Hamilton and accompanied by the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion of the Scots Guards.

The royal party arrived at the Scottish Parliament at around 11am, where they were met by Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh and representatives of the five parties at Holyrood.

In her address, the Queen said: "It has been with great pleasure that over the years I have watched Scotland grow and prosper, and have been with you at each stage of your parliamentary life, including on landmark occasions such as today.

"Twenty years on, this chamber continues to be at the centre of Scottish public life, as an important forum to engage and unite diverse communities and also a home for passionate debate and discussion."

She continued: "It is perhaps worth reflecting that at the heart of the word 'parliament' lies its original meaning: a place to talk. I have no doubt that for most of these last 20 years this striking chamber has provided exactly that, a place to talk.

"But of course it must also be a place to listen - a place to hear views that inevitably may differ quite considerably, one from another - and a place to honour those views."

She added: "As we look to the future, it is my sincere hope that this Parliament, and all those who come to serve in it, will use the power of this chamber to celebrate those invisible pillars of our communities, and follow their example by working tirelessly to improve people’s lives, and strengthen the bonds of friendship and partnership both at home and abroad."

Macintosh introduced the Queen with a speech that focused on the policies implemented by Holyrood since 1999.

He said Holyrood had "grown into a self confident institution" and made reference to the smoking ban, the minimum pricing of alcohol, free personal care, the abolition of tuition fees, the removal of Section 28 and the introduction of equal marriage.

He added: "I am proud of that legislative record, but just as important is that the parliament itself has evolved to reflect the needs of the people we serve."

The event at Holyrood also heard from the leaders of the five political parties represented in the Scottish Parliament.

First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said: "This parliament is firmly established as the centre of this nation's public life. We have become the democratic institution which people look to, to reflect their priorities, values, hopes and dreams."

Scottish Secretary David Mundell, who was one of the MSPs elected 20 years ago, watched proceedings from Holyrood's gallery.

The MP said afterwards: "This is a really important day. I remember the opening ceremony so clearly and I remember, too, the sense of excitement that people right across Scotland shared at the opening of their new parliament."

He added: "As a UK Government minister I'm proud to have played a role in delivering extra powers following the Calman Commission and, more recently, the Smith Commission.

"Through the Scotland Acts, we have made Holyrood one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the world. Holyrood is well-equipped to face the next 20 years."