The new image of the British royal family was unveiled today at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, after the Thistle Service. As part of the celebration of Scotland’s highest honor for chivalry, Prince Edward and Camilla were inducted into the Order of the Thistle.
The Ceremony and Portrait
The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh stand on either side of the stately King and Queen in the middle of the portrait. Edward and Camilla were made Royal Knights of the Order by King Charles in a secret ceremony that also included Prince William, another member.
“The King and Queen with The Prince of Wales (known as The Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland) and The Duke of Edinburgh following the Thistle Service at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh today,” the Royal Family wrote in a post that featured the image on Instagram.
Absence of Key Figures
Notably absent were the Princess of Wales, currently undergoing chemotherapy, and Princess Anne, who is recovering from a horse-related incident. Despite these absences, the ceremony proceeded with the grandeur typical of such events.
Order of the Thistle
The Order of the Thistle recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to Scottish life. It includes 16 knights and ladies from various fields such as medicine, law, politics, business, and academia. New appointees include forensic anthropologist Baroness Sue Black, lawyer Baroness Helena Kennedy, and human rights activist Sir Geoff Palmer.
The ceremony features elaborate costumes, including emerald green cloaks and black hats topped with white ostrich feathers. Upon their arrival, the King and Queen received a Royal Salute from the King’s Bodyguard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers.
Edward’s Honor
Edward’s appointment to the Order marked his 60th birthday and recognized his commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh Award and National Youth Orchestras of Scotland.
King and Queen’s Upcoming Engagements
Later today, the King and Queen will attend an event marking the start of celebrations for the 900th anniversary of Edinburgh Castle. The event will feature performances from Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, and a poem by author Sir Alexander McCall Smith. The King and Queen will also engage with local Edinburgh organizations showcasing innovation, food, design, and charity.
Recent Activities
The King and Queen recently hosted a garden party at the Palace of Holyrood House, welcoming about 8,000 visitors during the first day of Holyrood Week. Charles humorously reminisced about his school’s cricket team’s performance, and the couple met the first female members of the palace’s High Constables.
Edinburgh Celebrations
Charles began his official stay in Scotland by receiving the keys to the City of Edinburgh, symbolically touching them and expressing his confidence in the Lord Provost and councillors. This gesture kicked off a series of events celebrating Edinburgh’s 900th anniversary.
