King Charles - Camilla was accepted into the Order of the Thistle
British King Charles III. (75) was assigned a special task in the afternoon of a Wednesday during the current Holyrood Week in Scotland: At a ceremonial service in St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, he knighted important members of his family into the famous Order of the Thistle: Alongside 14 Scottish individuals, his wife, Queen Camilla (76), and his brother, Prince Edward (60), were solemnly inducted into the significant "Order of Knighthood." The "Order of the Thistle" is the highest Scottish and second-highest British chivalric order, personally bestowed by the King.
The heir apparent, Prince William (42), and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex (59), attended the traditionally pompous ceremonies. Princess Kate (42), who is still undergoing cancer treatment, and Princess Anne (73), who is currently recovering from a head injury, were unfortunately not present.
Robes and Hats adorned with Plumes
Charles, Camilla, Edward, and William appeared in the typical emerald green robes of the Thistle Order, adorned with numerous insignia. Of course, the Royals also donned the unmistakable black hat of the Order, adorned with white ostrich plumes. The Monarch, accompanied by his wife Camilla, was the last to enter the Cathedral as part of the 33-member procession and was welcomed by the Royal Honour Guard of Scotland with a royal salute upon arrival.
Following the service and the Order of the Thistle investiture, Charles and Camilla headed straight to Edinburgh Castle. The Scottish capital is celebrating its 900th anniversary. According to British media reports, the royal couple will speak with representatives of various Edinburgh organizations at the castle, who will present local food and regional fashion among other things.
Garden Party in Scotland
The day before, Charles and Camilla invited guests to a large garden party in the gardens of Holyrood Palace, with an estimated 8,000 attendees. People from the public had the opportunity to briefly chat with King Charles or Queen Camilla. Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex also attended the event. Prince William joined his family in Scotland on the Wednesday.
Charles and Camilla arrived by helicopter in Scotland on July 2nd for the annual Holyrood Week. Normally, the king spends several days in Scotland during this time for his regular visits. In this year, it is a shortened visit due to the British parliamentary elections taking place on July 4th.
- Prince Edward, as a newly inducted member of the Order of the Thistle, expressed his gratitude towards King Charles III.
- The Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, showed her support for her husband during the ceremonial service in Edinburgh.
- Queen Camilla, having been knighted into the Order, was seen donning the distinctive black hat with white ostrich plumes.
- Despite their absences, Princess Kate and Princess Anne were acknowledged during the investiture, with their achievements and recovery wishes shared by King Charles III.
- During their visit to Edinburgh Castle, King Charles III and Queen Camilla engaged with representatives from local organizations, celebrating Scotland's 900th anniversary.
- In the previous day's garden party at Holyrood Palace, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, participated alongside King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and the Duchess of Wessex, further connecting with the Scottish community.
