In a surprising turn of events at the annual Order of the Thistle Ceremony in Scotland, royal enthusiasts were taken aback by an unexpected substitution in the official royal portrait.
Anticipating Princess Catherine’s appearance alongside her husband, Prince William, fans were delighted to see another esteemed royal family member stepping into the spotlight.
King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William were present at the distinguished ceremony held at St. Giles Cathedral, where Prince Edward stood proudly in Princess Catherine’s place, dressed in ceremonial garb among his royal counterparts.
The absence of the Princess of Wales was palpable, with her current focus on recovering from a cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Prince Edward’s notable presence alongside the King, Queen, and Prince of Wales marked a significant moment during the annual Royal Week in Scotland.
The King’s longstanding association with Scotland’s prestigious chivalric order, dating back to 1977, was complemented by Prince William’s induction in 2012.
This year, the official inclusion of Camilla and Edward solidified their roles within the revered tradition.
Social media platforms buzzed with the release of the official portrait from the event, showcasing the royals in their splendid green velvet robes adorned with the order’s insignia and distinctive white-plumed hats.
The caption accompanying the photograph read, “The King and Queen with the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh following the Thistle service at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh today.”
Kensington Palace shared a heartwarming montage capturing various moments from the ceremony, including Prince William’s graceful stroll down a corridor, King Charles engaging in jovial conversation, and Duchess Sophie accompanying her husband Edward.
The palace’s post celebrated the men and women honored at the special ceremony in Edinburgh, congratulating the newest knights and ladies of the Order of the Thistle.
The biennial ceremony, which recognizes 16 knights and ladies chosen by the monarch, includes a reception at the Signet Library followed by a festive lunch at the Palace of Holy Rude House.
Recalling last year’s event, royal enthusiasts fondly remembered Princess Catherine’s elegant presence in a stunning blue coat dress by Catherine Walker and a coordinated fascinator by Philip Treacy, despite her non-membership in the Order of the Thistle.
While Catherine’s grace was a highlight of the previous celebration, her absence this year due to health reasons has been noted.
Her brief appearance at Trooping the Colour on June 15 marked her first royal engagement in six months, hinting at a gradual return to official duties.
Speculation surrounds the possibility of her attendance at Wimbledon later this month, heightening anticipation among her supporters.
Related Stories
