The historical setting of St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh played host to the Order of the Thistle service on July 1, a notable event attended by senior members of the British royal family. The service was particularly poignant this year as it coincided with what would have been the 65th birthday of the late Princess Diana, whose influence continues to resonate within her family.
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Prince William, who holds the title of Duke of Rothesay while in Scotland, was present at the ceremony clad in a distinguished outfit featuring a deep green velvet gown and a black hat adorned with striking white ostrich feathers. At 44 years old, William participated in the ceremonial occasion alongside other esteemed royals, including King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh.
The royal family arrived at the cathedral amid fanfare, greeted by a Royal Salute performed by The King’s Body Guard for Scotland. The solemnity of the event was marked by the national anthem, “God Save the King,” played to honour the monarchy.
The Order of the Thistle is the premier order of chivalry in Scotland, signifying the highest accolade the nation can bestow. It recognises 16 Knights and Ladies who have demonstrated substantial contributions to Scottish life. Among its members are King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince Edward, Princess Anne, and now Prince William, who has continued the tradition established by his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1987 when women were allowed to join the order.
Outside the cathedral, the atmosphere was marred by protests, with demonstrators challenging the monarchy’s relevance. Holding placards that read “What Did You Know?” and chanting “Not my King,” the group expressed their dissent against the royal institution, highlighting the complexity of public sentiment towards the monarchy at present.
This year’s ceremony paralleled the annual Order of the Garter event held in June at Windsor. Prince William, reflecting on his mother’s legacy, also took the opportunity to engage in charitable work before the service. His latest initiative, Homewards, aims to alleviate homelessness, a cause deeply instilled in him by Princess Diana. He had spent time in Aberdeen discussing new strategies to address the issue of homelessness, indicating his commitment to making a positive impact in this area.
Princess Diana was a profound advocate for the homeless, and she introduced William and his brother, Prince Harry, to this critical social issue during their youth. William’s efforts to champion the cause mirror the values instilled in him by his mother. He continues to take part in initiatives that reflect her dedication, including a project that promotes awareness around homelessness and engages the younger generation, such as involving his son, Prince George, in related charitable activities.
The Order of the Thistle service fell within the framework of Royal Week in Scotland—a week filled with events celebrating Scottish culture and heritage. The week commenced with King Charles participating in the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, signifying his arrival in the Scottish capital.
In addition to the ceremonial events, the royal couple hosted a garden party at Holyroodhouse to celebrate community and Scottish culture. However, the gathering also sparked some controversy due to Camilla’s meeting with author J.K. Rowling, against the backdrop of Pride Month, a discussion that spotlighted Rowling’s contentious history concerning LGBTQ+ issues.
As the royal family continues to navigate its public engagements, the legacy of Princess Diana remains ever-present, with her influence on her sons shaping their charitable initiatives and public personas. The Order of the Thistle service, held on a day of significant memory for Prince William, showcased the intricate connections between tradition, family, and the evolving role of the monarchy in contemporary society.