The Queen this morning welcomed the Pope to the palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, her official residence in Scotland. As the British national anthem was sung, and as a blustery wind blew, the Pope removed his zucchetto (skullcap). The Queen welcomed Pope Benedict and said: "Your holiness, your presence here today reminds us of our common Christian heritage." She went on to pay tribute to the work of the Church, praising its "special contribution" in working with the poor and its extensive network of schools. She hoped that this state visit by the Holy Father would deepen the ties between the Catholic Church and the Churches of England and of Scotland.