The Buckingham Palace recently shared a historic portrait of the King and Queen with the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh during Royal Week in Scotland. The portrait depicted the foursome in their regal finery following the Thistle Service at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
In the portrait, Charles, Camilla, Prince William, and Prince Edward were seen wearing the green Mantle of the Order of the Thistle velvet robes, white-plumed hats, and glistening insignia including the Thistle Stars for the ceremony. The attire symbolized their membership to the prestigious Order of the Thistle.
Some followers of the royal family on social media questioned why the Duchess of Edinburgh was not wearing robes or included in the picture, despite her presence at the service. The reason for her exclusion is that Sophie is not a Lady of the Thistle. The Order of the Thistle is considered the highest honor in Scotland and is personally bestowed by the King. Hence, Sophie may receive the honor in the future.
The Order of the Thistle has a complement of 16 knights and ladies. In addition to the Queen, the Princess Royal, and the Duke of Rothesay, Royal Knights of the Thistle include individuals who have made significant contributions to public office or national life. The Queen herself was appointed as the Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen in 2013, reflecting her ties to Scotland.
Apart from their royal duties, members of the Royal Family are actively involved in charitable work across the country. Camilla, for instance, is the patron of Maggie’s Cancer Care Centers and supports various charities based in Scotland. Prince Edward also holds multiple patronages of Scottish charitable organizations, demonstrating the family’s commitment to giving back to the community.
Princess Anne and the Princess of Wales were notably absent from the portrait. Princess Anne did not attend the service in Scotland due to her recovery from concussion, while the Princess of Wales was undergoing cancer treatment at the time. Their absence serves as a reminder of the health challenges faced by members of the Royal Family.
The royal family portrait at the Thistle Service highlights not only their regal traditions but also their dedication to serving the community. The exclusion of certain members and the presence of others symbolize the intricate dynamics within the royal household. It is evident that each member plays a unique role in upholding the traditions and values of the monarchy while also contributing to the welfare of society.
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