The King led the royals as they arrived for the traditional Order of the Thistle service at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh this afternoon – marking the continuation of Royal Week in Scotland.
Charles, 77, wore an ornate green cape adorned with glistening insignia and a white plumed hat as he joined Queen Camilla, 78, for the annual festivities, in which new Knights and Ladies are installed into the order by the Sovereign.
Elsewhere, the Prince of Wales, 44, was also present, and seen smiling as he walked alongside Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, 62. The procession begins in the city’s Signet Library and makes its way into the chapel before concluding at the cathedral.
Afterwards, there is a short reception and a lunch at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The Order of the Thistle is the greatest order of chivalry in Scotland, recognising 16 knights with the highest honour in the country, as well as Scottish men and women who have held public office or who have contributed in a particular way to national life.
Smiling as he chatted with members of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Charles yesterday looked to be in good spirits as he officially started his week in Scotland.
The King, who opened the Scottish Parliament on Saturday, yesterday cut a dapper figure in a grey suit with a blue cornflower in his lapel as he was presented with the keys to the city of Edinburgh in a ceremony marking the start of Royal Week.
Queen Camilla and King Charles pictured during the Thistle Service at St Giles’ Cathedral
William, who walked alongside prince Edward, looked to be in high spirits at the event
The King lead the royals as they arrived for a service at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh this afternoon – marking the second day of Royal Week in Scotland
Elsewhere, the Prince of Wales, 44, was also present, and seen smiling as he walked alongside Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh , 62
Charles attended the traditional Ceremony of the Keys in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, his official residence in the capital.
Each year the monarch traditionally spends a week based at Holyroodhouse, an event known as Holyrood Week or Royal Week in Scotland.
After Charles arrived by helicopter, a guard of honour was provided by Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Also on parade were the King’s bodyguard for Scotland – the Royal Company of Archers.
Music was provided by the band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Pipes and Drums of 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Charles met senior military figures and received a royal salute during the ceremony.
Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge presented the keys to the King, holding them on a red cushion.
The King and Queen were in high spirits during the service
Charles wore a pinstripe suit under his robes, while Camilla donned a white dress
Charles was joined by other members of the Firm for the service
Prince Edward smiled as he chatted to Camilla during the service earlier today
Charles and Camilla pictured during the Thistle service this afternoon
The procession begins in the city’s Signet Library and makes its way into the chapel – before concluding at the cathedral
William and Edward pictured at the procession this afternoon
Charles, 77, wore an ornate green cape adorned with glistening insignia and a white-plumed hat as he joined Queen Camilla , 78, for the annual festivities, in which new Knights and Ladies are installed into the Order of the Thistle by the Sovereign
The King looked to be in high spirits as he led the royals today
Pictured: Royal Company of Archers, the King’s Bodyguard Scotland, ahead of the Thistle Service at St Giles’ Cathedral
Charles attended the traditional Ceremony of the Keys in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, his official residence in the capital
Mr Aldridge said: ‘We, the Lord Provost and members of the City of Edinburgh Council, welcome Your Majesty to the capital city of your ancient and hereditary kingdom of Scotland, and offer for your gracious acceptance the keys of Your Majesty’s good city of Edinburgh.’
In return, Charles gave the traditional reply: ‘I return these keys perfectly convinced that they cannot be placed in better hands than those of the Lord Provost and councillors of my good city of Edinburgh.’
And while the cornflower in his lapel might seem like nothing more than a fashion accessory, it holds significance in terms of his work raising issues affecting the environment.
The humble blue cornflower can frequently be seen in the monarch’s buttonhole and has been a regular feature of his attire for many years.
For instance, it appeared in a striking photographic portrait by Nadav Kander in 2013.
Now endangered in its natural habitat, the flower draws attention to the King’s environmental concerns.
This interest was something he touched upon at the weekend as he opened the Scottish Parliament.
During the ceremony on Saturday, he told MSPs the planet’s climate was ‘changing dangerously’ and warned its biodiversity was being ‘seriously depleted’.
