During Royal Week in Scotland, Buckingham Palace released a historic portrait featuring the King and Queen alongside the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh. The foursome was captured in their regal attire following the Thistle Service at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. The image showcased Charles, Camilla, William, and Edward donning the green Mantle of the Order of the Thistle velvet robes, white-plumed hats, and sparkling insignia, including the Thistle Stars, for the ceremony. While the photograph was deemed “beautiful” by many royal enthusiasts, it also raised several questions among viewers.
One of the key points that sparked curiosity among the royal family’s social media followers was the absence of the Duchess of Edinburgh in the portrait. Despite attending the service, Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, was not wearing robes or included in the picture. The reason behind this exclusion is that Sophie is not a Lady of the Thistle, the highest honor in Scotland. These honors are typically bestowed as personal gifts by the King, and Sophie may receive the distinction in the future. Prince Edward was appointed to the Order on his 60th birthday in March, while Queen Camilla was honored with the title in June 2023.
The Order of the Thistle is an esteemed group with a membership of 16 knights and ladies. In addition to the Queen, the Princess Royal, and the Duke of Rothesay (Prince of Wales), known in Scotland, are recognized as Royal Knights of the Thistle. Individuals who are appointed as Thistle Knights or Ladies have typically held significant positions in public office or made substantial contributions to national life. The ceremony at St Giles’ Cathedral serves as a symbolic gathering to celebrate these distinguished individuals and honor their achievements. Princess Anne’s absence from the event was attributed to her ongoing recovery from concussion, while the Princess of Wales was missing due to her cancer treatment.
The Queen, in her role as Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen since 2013, has expressed her deep connection to Scotland and the significance of the region to her family history. Camilla’s patronage of Maggie’s Cancer Care Centers, as well as other charitable organizations in Scotland, reflects her commitment to supporting vital causes in the region. Edward’s patronages of various Scottish charitable organizations, including the Edinburgh International Festival, highlight the royal family’s dedication to philanthropic endeavors across Scotland. The involvement of royal family members in these important causes underscores their ongoing commitment to serving the community and making a positive impact on national life.
The portrait shared during Royal Week in Scotland offers a glimpse into the regal traditions and honors of the Order of the Thistle. While sparking questions and discussions among viewers, it also sheds light on the significant contributions and public service efforts of the royal family members. The ceremony and attire showcased in the portrait symbolize a rich heritage and tradition that connects the royals to the people of Scotland and highlights the importance of recognizing individuals who have made meaningful contributions to society.
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