King Charles and his family were out in force celebrating a very special occasion during Royal Week in Scotland – the Thistle Service.
The Order of the Thistle is the greatest order of chivalry in Scotland and is personally gifted from the King to his 16 Knights, as well as Scottish men and women who have held public office or who have contributed in a particular way to national life.
At Wednesday's service, Charles' wife Queen Camilla and his youngest brother Prince Edward were formally installed into the Order – after being bestowed the honour in June 2023 and March of this year respectively – in a ceremony steeped in tradition, pomp, and pageantry.
Take a look at the best photos below…
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© GettyKing Charles arrives
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.
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© GettyRoyal salute
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.
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© GettyRoyal greetings
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.
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© GettyQueen Camilla's traditional mantle
A clearer look at the Queen's mantle and Thistle Star on display.
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© GettyKing Charles and Queen Camilla walk into the cathedral
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.
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© GettyPrince William arrives
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.
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© GettyPrince Edward and Sophie arrive
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.
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© GettyPretty in peach
A closer look at the Duchess of Edinburgh's peach dress.
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© GettySophie's matching hat
The Duchess of Edinburgh looked typically stylish wearing a wide-brimmed hat that featured a pretty floral interior pattern.
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© GettyInside the cathedral
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.
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© GettyRoyals on front row
The King and Queen, Prince Edward, and Prince William were all seated together.
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© GettyCamilla's big moment
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."
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© GettyBroad smiles
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.
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© GettySophie waves
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.
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© GettyFarewell from the King
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.
