King Charles honours Queen Camilla and Prince Edward in special ceremony during Royal Week

Dressed in green Mantle of the Order of the Thistle velvet robes, white-plumed hats, and glistening insignia including the Thistle Stars, the King and his Order members made a striking appearance in Edinburgh on Wednesday morning.

As they arrived, the royals were given a Royal Salute by The Guard of Honour, found by The King's Body Guard for Scotland (Royal Company of Archers), and the band played the National Anthem.

Charles and Camilla, who were the last of the 33-strong procession that travelled to the cathedral, were greeted by the Interim Moderator of St Giles' Cathedral, the Chancellor of the Order of the Thistle, the Dean of the Order of the Thistle, and the Secretary of the Order of the Thistle.

A clearer look at the Queen's mantle and Thistle Star on display.

Charles was accompanied by his wife Camilla, who he appointed to the Order of the Thistle in June 2023 as part of his birthday honours announcement.

Prince William, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, wore the same traditional outfit. William was installed to the Order back in 2012 by his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. 

He would normally be supported by his wife the Princess of Wales at the ceremony, although Kate has been keeping a low-profile as she continues her cancer treatment.

The Princess Royal is also part of the Order, but is recuperating at home in England following her horse-related incident last month.

Prince Edward, who was appointed to the Order in March on his 60th birthday, made his debut in his green velvet robes and was supported by his wife Sophie. 

A closer look at the Duchess of Edinburgh's peach dress.

The Duchess of Edinburgh looked typically stylish wearing a wide-brimmed hat that featured a pretty floral interior pattern.

Charles and his Knights took part in a grand procession through the city, heading to the Thistle Chapel in St. Giles' Cathedral. The procession began in the Signet Library in Edinburgh Town Centre.

The King and Queen, Prince Edward, and Prince William were all seated together.

During the ceremony, the King installed his new members, including his wife Camilla and his brother Edward, into the Order. Other new members include the Baroness Black of Strome LT, the Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws LT, and Sir Geoff Palmer KT.

"It is Our pleasure that Her Majesty The Queen be Installed a Lady of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle," the King announced. 

Camilla then stood in a stall on the right of the King – hence the term installed to the Order – and recited the oath: "I shall fortify and defend the Christian religion, and Christ's most holy Evangel, to the utmost of my power. I shall be loyal and true to my Sovereign Lord The King and the Members of this Order.

"I shall maintain the Honour and Dignity of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle to my best power if God let. I shall never bear treason about in my heart against our Sovereign Lord The King, but shall discover the same to him. So defend me God."

There were smiles all around as Prince William and his uncle Prince Edward departed the short ceremony, Edward having been officially installed in the Order just moments before.

A wave from the Duchess of Edinburgh as she and Edward departed the service. 

Hundreds of well-wishers had lined the Royal Mile to see the royals.

After the service, the royals returned to the Signet Library for a short reception, followed by a lunch at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King's official Scottish residence.