King Charles and Prince William took centre stage in Edinburgh
at the annual Order of the Thistle service at St Giles’ Cathedral
during Royal Week.
The centuries-old ceremony saw the King also joined by Queen
Camilla and the Duke of Edinburgh, with the senior royals
processing through parts of the Scottish capital in one of the
monarchy’s most striking displays of pageantry.
Prince William, who became a Royal Knight of the Order in 2012,
took his place alongside fellow members wearing the distinctive
deep green velvet mantle and dramatic black velvet hat topped with
sweeping white ostrich feathers.
Today’s ceremony brought together several royal members of the
Order. King Charles serves as Sovereign of the Order, while Queen
Camilla was installed in 2024 alongside the Duke of Edinburgh.
Prince William has represented the next generation of the monarchy
within the ancient order since his appointment by Queen Elizabeth
II.
In 2022, Prince William became Duke of Rothesay, the title that
automatically goes to the heir to the Scottish throne. In England,
the heir was always the Duke of Cornwall, another title that
William instantly acquired when he became first in line. On
September 9 2022, just 24 hours into his reign, King Charles also
created his elder son the Prince of Wales, the title traditionally
given to the heir to the throne.
The rich green mantle is one of the defining features of the
Order. Lined with silk and fastened with green and gold cords, it
bears the silver star of the Order embroidered on the left
shoulder. Members also wear an elaborate gold collar decorated with
thistles from which hangs the badge of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron
saint. The ceremonial dress is reserved for the Order’s most
significant occasions.
The Order of the Thistle is Scotland’s highest order of chivalry
and second only to the Order of the Garter in the UK’s honours
system. Although its origins are wrapped in legend, the modern
Order was formally revived by King James VII of Scotland in 1687.
Membership is limited to the Sovereign, 16 Knights and Ladies,
together with a small number of Royal Knights and Ladies. Unlike
most honours, appointments are made personally by the monarch in
recognition of exceptional service to Scotland and are not made on
ministerial advice.
The annual service has been held at St Giles’ Cathedral since
the Thistle Chapel was completed in 1911 and remains one of the
highlights of Holyrood Week. Members process from the nearby Signet
Library before gathering in the cathedral for a service celebrating
Scotland’s most prestigious order of chivalry.
Today’s ceremony brought together many of the Order’s royal
members. King Charles serves as Sovereign of the Order, while Queen
Camilla was installed in 2024 alongside the Duke of Edinburgh. The
Princess Royal has been a member since 2000 and Prince William has
represented the next generation of the monarchy within the ancient
order since his appointment by Queen Elizabeth II.
The appearance marks another busy week for the Royal Family in
Scotland. Just days ago, the Princess of Wales completed the
National Three Peaks Challenge in aid of the Royal Marsden Cancer
Charity. Catherine began the challenge by climbing Ben Nevis before
continuing to Scafell Pike and finishing on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon),
raising funds for the specialist cancer hospital where she received
treatment. Although she was not among those attending today’s
Thistle service, her latest challenge has kept Scotland firmly on
the royal agenda.
Royal Week, known officially as Holyrood Week, remains one of
the most important fixtures in the royal calendar, celebrating
Scottish communities, culture and public service.