Nicola Sturgeon praises ‘polite and courteous' Royal Family – but points out one notable ‘exception'
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NICOLA Sturgeon has praised the Royal Family in her new book - but pointed out one "exception".
The former first minister officially launches her memoirs, Frankly, today, despite the title being on sale for the past three days.
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Nicola Sturgeon has written about her interactions with the Royal Family in her new book
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The former first minister's autobiography has officially been launched today
Credit: Alamy
In her autobiography, the ex-SNP leader opens up about her career in frontline politics and private life.
She also reveals her interactions with the Royal Family, including the late Queen.
Ms Sturgeon tells how her meetings with senior members were mainly "positive".
She said: "I know it is part of their training (breeding is probably the more accurate term), but they are always engaged and engaging, polite and courteous.
"I can imagine Prince Andrew might be an exception, but thankfully, I've never had much to do with him.'
Ms Sturgeon also reveals how she felt "slightly aggrieved" during one of Prince William's visits to Scotland.
She had a private meeting with the future King in 2021.
Ms Sturgeon said she held a 'cordial' meeting with the future king where politics did not come up.
But later she learned that Prince William held a private meeting with ex-PM and pro-union campaigner Gordon Brown at Holyrood Palace.
The former Labour leader had set up an 'anti-independence think tank' and said the meeting 'inevitably raised questions'.
Nicola Sturgeon admits mistake on gender ID battle in bombshell TV interview
She added that the defence of the meeting from the prince's office was 'to put it mildly, disingenuous'.
Ms Sturgeon also penned that Queen Elizabeth II "loved a bit of gossip" and asked about sexual harassment claims against Alex Salmond after they emerged in 2018
That same year, the pair met at Balmoral Castle in 2018, which she visited with husband Peter Murrell.
Ms Sturgeon wrote: 'She asked me about it almost as soon as I sat down. She wasn't being trivial in any way, she wanted to know more of what was going on. I think she was also trying to put me at ease.'
Mr Salmond had been revealed to be under investigation by cops and the Scottish Government for sexual misconduct while first minister - probes which sparked a collapse in his relationship with Ms Sturgeon.
He was acquitted of sex offence charges in a high-profile court case in 2021.
Ms Sturgeon said she found the late Monarch as 'utterly fascinating' and an 'incredible woman' in the book.
She added she was 'struck by the aura' the Queen 'exuded as she entered the room' and praised her 'mystique' which she said no other Royal Family member had.
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