King Charles
Camilla was admitted into important knightly orders
© Andrew Milligan – WPA Pool/Getty Images
King Charles has admitted parts of his family into the Order of the Thistle in Scotland. In addition to his wife Camilla, his brother Edward also received the honour.
British King Charles III (75) was given a very special task on Wednesday afternoon: On the occasion of the current Holyrood Week in Scotland, he admitted important members of his family into the famous Order of the Thistle: At a solemn service in St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, 14 Scottish people, his wife, Queen Camilla (76), and his brother, Prince Edward (60), were ceremoniously admitted into the important “Order of Knighthood”. The “Order of the Thistle” is the highest Scottish and the second highest British order of knighthood, which is awarded personally by the King.
Both the heir to the throne, Prince William (42), and Edward’s wife, Duchess Sophie (59), attended the traditionally pompous celebrations. Princess Kate (42), who is still undergoing cancer treatment, and Princess Anne (73), who is currently recovering from her head injury, were not there.
Royal velvet coats with hat and ostrich feathers
Charles, Camilla, Edward and William appeared in the Order of the Thistle’s typical emerald green velvet coats, which were decorated with numerous insignia. Of course, the royals also wore the Order’s distinctive black hat, which is decorated with white ostrich feathers. At the side of his wife Camilla, the monarch was the last of the 33-strong procession to enter the cathedral and was greeted with a royal salute by the Royal Guard of Honour for Scotland.
After the service and the award ceremony, Charles and Camilla will go straight to Edinburgh Castle. The Scottish capital is celebrating its 900th anniversary. According to British media reports, the royal couple will speak to representatives of various Edinburgh organizations who will be presenting local food and regional fashion at various stands.
Garden party in Scotland
The day before, Charles and Camilla invited around 8,000 guests to a large garden party in the gardens of Holyrood Palace. Members of the public were given the opportunity to have a quick chat with King Charles and Queen Camilla. Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie also attended the party. Prince William only joined his family in Scotland on Wednesday.
Charles and Camilla flew in by helicopter on July 2 for the annual Holyrood week. During this time, the cancer-stricken king usually spends several days in Scotland. This year it is a shortened visit because the British general election takes place on July 4.