Prince William joined King Charles and Queen Camilla for a significant event in Scotland, continuing a tradition that has been celebrated for centuries.
On Wednesday, July 3, Prince William, who takes on the title of Duke of Rothesay while in Scotland, participated in the Thistle Service at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
This event is part of Royal Week, where the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s highest order of chivalry, is celebrated. King Charles, the Queen, Prince Edward, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, were also present.
Queen Camilla and Prince Edward awarded the Order of the Thistle
The Order of the Thistle recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to national life. The installation service at St. Giles’ Cathedral saw Queen Camilla and Prince Edward being inducted into this esteemed group, joining other notable figures like Baroness Black of Strome and Sir Geoff Palmer.
This order, which comprises 16 Knights and Ladies, honors them as a personal gift from the reigning monarch.
The origins of the Order of the Thistle are shrouded in mystery, with legends suggesting it was founded in 809 by King Achaius and later revived by King James II in 1687.
King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince William, and Prince Edward are all members of this prestigious group.
For Prince Edward, the honor is particularly meaningful as he was named Duke of Edinburgh, a title previously held by their father, Prince Philip, on his birthday in 2023.
King Charles, 75, presides over the Order and honors individuals who have made significant public contributions.
This group is second only to the Order of the Garter, the oldest and highest order of chivalry in Britain.
Inductees of the Order of the Thistle don elaborate green velvet robes and black velvet hats adorned with white ostrich feathers.
The star of the order, bearing the motto “No one harms me with impunity” in Latin, is a significant part of the regalia.
King Charles has the honor of installing new Knights, and the ceremony is typically followed by a reception at the Signet Library and a lunch at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official royal residence in Scotland.
Royal Week, also known as Holyrood Week, began on July 2 with the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Following the Order of the Thistle festivities, King Charles and Queen Camilla will attend a celebration marking the 900th anniversary of Edinburgh.
The Princess of Wales, 42, is not expected to attend Royal Week this year as she continues her cancer treatment.
King Charles, also undergoing cancer treatment, resumed his public duties in late April.