King Charles III has bestowed Scotland’s highest royal honor, the Order of the Thistle, upon his wife, Queen Camilla, Buckingham Palace announced. This prestigious accolade, which can only be granted by the King, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to national life or held public office. The announcement came just ahead of King Charles’ birthday honors, set to be revealed on Friday night.
In a statement, the palace said, “The King has been graciously pleased to appoint the Queen to the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle.” The Order of the Thistle, established by King James VII of Scotland (James II of England) in 1687, is one of the oldest and most esteemed orders of chivalry in the United Kingdom. It currently includes 16 knights, as well as various members of the aristocracy and House of Lords, such as Lady Elish Angiolini and Sir George Reid.
The Thistle Service, held at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, is a key event during Royal Week, an annual official visit by the monarchy to Scotland. This year, Prince William joined his father and stepmother for the ceremony. The service features a procession of knights dressed in green velvet robes and white plumed hats, a tradition steeped in history and pageantry.
King Charles also awarded the Order of the Thistle to his brother, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Edward’s new title holds special significance, as it was previously held by their father, Prince Philip. The royal family shared a group photo on social media, showcasing Prince William, King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince Edward in their ceremonial attire.
The Order of the Thistle’s origins are somewhat shrouded in legend, with some accounts dating it back to 809 when King Achaius of the Scots formed an alliance with Emperor Charlemagne. However, it was formally established with new rules by King James II in 1687 to reward Scottish peers who supported his political and religious aims.
As the sovereign, King Charles III is the only person who can bestow this honor. This year, other notable recipients included anthropology professor Dame Sue Black, lawyer Baroness Helena Kennedy, and Scotland’s first black professor, Sir Geoff Palmer. The ceremony begins at the Signet Library in Edinburgh Town Center, followed by a reception and lunch at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the monarch in Scotland.
Royal Week, also known as Holyrood Week, has been shortened this year due to the UK’s general election. Despite the abbreviated schedule, King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a celebration marking the 900th anniversary of the city of Edinburgh, toasting the gathering with a drink. They also hosted a garden party at Holyroodhouse for 8,000 guests who have made positive impacts in their communities.
The Thistle Service began with a Royal Salute from a Guard of Honor formed by the Royal Company of Archers, ceremonially known as the King’s “bodyguard for Scotland.” A military band played the national anthem, and the King and Queen were welcomed by the Interim Moderator of St. Giles’ Cathedral and officials with the Order of the Thistle.
Induction into the Order of the Thistle comes with a regal outfit, including green velvet robes, black velvet hats with white ostrich feathers, and the order’s star featuring the motto, “No one harms me with impunity” in Latin. The service is usually followed by a reception in the Signet Library and lunch at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
King Charles kicked off Royal Week with the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where he accepted the keys to the city. Following the Order of the Thistle festivities, he and Queen Camilla attended a celebration commemorating the 900th anniversary of the city of Edinburgh.
Royal Week is unusually abbreviated this year due to the general election in the UK. When Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for the surprise general election in late May, Buckingham Palace announced that the royal family would postpone engagements that might appear to divert attention from the election campaign. Members of the British royal family are constitutionally non-political and traditionally leave the public space during campaigns to keep the public’s attention on the election and its pivotal issues.
Last year, Scotland honored the historic coronation of King Charles with a second set of events following the crowning ceremony in May. A National Service of Thanksgiving was held at St. Giles’ Cathedral, featuring royal processions, the presentation of crown jewels, and a military flypast, much like the pageantry at the formal coronation in London.
Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton supported King Charles by attending the event. However, it is unlikely that the Princess of Wales will be seen during Royal Week this year as she continues to prioritize her health while receiving cancer treatment. In a highly anticipated appearance, Princess Kate attended Trooping the Colour on June 15, though palace aides emphasized that her presence did not signify an official return to royal duties.
King Charles is also undergoing cancer treatment and resumed public-facing royal duties in late April. Despite these challenges, the royal family continues to uphold their traditions and commitments, celebrating Scotland’s rich history and culture during Royal Week.
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