Ms Forster challenged Nicola Sturgeon’s decision not to strike, saying the meeting with the Queen was one of the “greatest privileges” she has as NH First Secretary. He said: “Why did he not have the courage? It was one of the greatest privileges I had as Prime Minister of Northern Ireland to tire the members of the royal house, including His Majesty the Queen.” The news comes as Mrs Sturgeon has launched a campaign for a second Scottish independence referendum, which she wants to hold on 19 October 2023. If Scotland were to become an independent state, it would retain Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state, Westminster SNP leader Ian Blackford had previously said. He said: “The queen will remain head of state in an independent Scotland.” However, other members of the party have raised doubts about the issue, with some insisting that a referendum should be held on whether the monarchy will be maintained if Scotland becomes independent. SNP MP Patrick Grady argued in 2020: “The people of Scotland will finally decide.” The Prime Minister of Scotland met yesterday with the Queen at the Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh. Mrs. Sturgeon is said to have given the Queen gifts, including a limited edition whiskey bottle. READ ALSO: Horror as two men kiss a three-year-old child – police appeal The details of their conversation remained private, however the meeting took place just one day after Nicola Sturgeon announced her plan for IndyRef2. On Tuesday, he announced the plans to Holyrood amid applause from those of the SNP. In a surprise move, he said he had already asked the Scottish ombudsman to refer the legality of a unilateral second referendum to the Supreme Court. He then confirmed that Lord Advocate had done so and that the Court would rule on the legality of the referendum. He said: “The Scottish Republic cannot be a prisoner of Boris Johnson or any other Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. “The people of Scotland must have a choice.” DON’T MISS: Ulrika Jonsson, 54, recreates the completely NAKED photo of Kendall Jenner [PICTURES]Longevity: The vitamin that can reduce the risk of death by 57% [INSIGHT]Boris REFUSES to rule out the September elections [REPORT] However, others at Holyrood were unhappy with the announcement. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross has claimed that Nicholas Sturgeon was putting the interests of the Scottish people at the back burner. He said: “The real priorities of the people across Scotland are at the back. Instead, the First Minister sets out her plans to divide Scotland forward and center. “Nicola Sturgeon has shown once again today that the SNP’s selfish obsession with another divisive referendum is always their first priority. It will use the government’s time and resources to advance its plan to dismantle the country, just as we need to unite and work as one. “
