Just a day after celebrating the success of his ambitious Homewards initiative, Prince William embarked on one of Scotland’s oldest royal traditions by joining King Charles for the annual Order of the Thistle service at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
On Wednesday, the Prince of Wales, known in Scotland as the Duke of Rothesay, stepped out wearing the Order’s dark green velvet ceremonial robes, adorned with the golden collar and insignia of Scotland’s highest order of chivalry.
Holding the order of service inside the historic cathedral, William joined the King, Queen Camilla, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal for the centuries-old ceremony, which remains one of the highlights of Royal Week in Scotland.
King Charles, Sovereign of the Order, led the ceremony celebrating the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s oldest and noblest, Scotland’s highest honour.
Dressed in the distinctive robes and feathered hats of the Order, members marched through St Giles Cathedral in a spectacular display of royal pageantry and Scottish tradition.
The Order of the Thistle recognizes 16 Knights and Dames who have made an outstanding contribution to Scottish national life.
Appointments are made personally by the King in recognition of outstanding public service and achievements in a wide range of fields.
The service also reflects the evolution of this historic honor. In 1987, Queen Elizabeth II made the historic decision to admit women to the Order on an equal basis with men, ensuring that one of Scotland’s oldest traditions continues to evolve with the times.
