King Charles III appointed his wife, Queen Camilla, to one of the highest honors in the U.K. this week. The Order of the Thistle, the highest order of chivalry in the country, recognizes individuals who have held public office or significantly contributed to national life. The ceremony took place during Royal Week, an annual official visit by the monarchy, with Prince William joining his father and stepmother in Scotland for the Thistle Service at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
Queen Camilla and Prince Edward were both awarded the honor by King Charles, with the Order also including members like Prince William and Princess Anne. The ceremonial garments for the Order of the Thistle feature green velvet robes, insignia, and white plumed hats.
The Order's origins are traced back to King Achaius in 809, with King James II of England formalizing it in 1687 to reward Scottish peers who supported the king's aims. This year's recipients included notable figures like anthropology professor Dame Sue Black, lawyer Baroness Helena Kennedy, and Sir Geoff Palmer, Scotland's first black professor.
The procession for the Order of the Thistle 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, though shortened due to the general election, included celebrations marking the 900th anniversary of Edinburgh, where King Charles and Queen Camilla toasted the gathering with a drink.
During the week, the royal couple also hosted a Garden Party at Holyroodhouse, attended by 8,000 guests representing various walks of life and community impact. The event was captured in a video shared on the royal family's official Instagram account, showcasing the diversity and positive contributions of the attendees.
