King Charles III (77) continues his Royal Week in Edinburgh. The British monarch attended the Order of the Thistle service on Wednesday afternoon together with his wife Queen Camilla (78). Prince William (44) and Charles' brother Prince Edward (62) also attended the ceremony at St. Giles Cathedral. The royals all dressed in the dark green velvet robes of the order, to which several insignia were attached. On their heads they wore the typical black hats with white feathers.
Two new members admitted to order
They processed from the nearby Signet Library to the cathedral. During the service, new members are admitted to the order. This year, Scottish conductor and composer Sir James MacMillan (66) and Sir James McDonald (69), the former principal of the University of Strathclyde, were honored. After the service, a brief reception was held at the library, followed by lunch at the Scottish palace.
The Order of the Thistle is the highest order of chivalry in Scotland and the second-highest in the United Kingdom. The order comprises 16 knights and ladies who are honored for their special services to Scotland. Other individuals, particularly royals, can additionally be admitted as extra members. Currently, Charles, Camilla, William, Edward, and Princess Anne (75) are part of the Order of the Thistle.
British royals celebrated garden party
On Tuesday, the Royal Week officially began with the traditional Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Each year, the keys to the city of Edinburgh are symbolically presented to King Charles. The presentation is an integral part of the annual festival week in Scotland.
The same applies to the garden party that Charles and Camilla hosted at the palace on Tuesday. They welcomed around 8,000 guests, including representatives from Scottish charities, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, as well as public sector employees. This was announced by the British royal family's Instagram account, which published a compilation of the celebration. Princess Anne and Prince Edward were also reportedly in attendance.
Additionally, Charles presented several honors at the Scottish palace on Tuesday. Among those honored was Simon Milne, the Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. He was knighted for his services to botany, conservation, and horticulture.
For Charles, the Royal Week is part of his annual program. For one week, he honors Scottish culture, community, and the country's achievements.
