Prince William stepped out in Edinburgh on July 1 for the Order of the Thistle service, appearing alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla on the date that would have marked Princess Diana’s 65th birthday. According to People, the Prince of Wales attended the ceremony at St. Giles’ Cathedral in his Scottish role as the Duke of Rothesay. The appearance placed William at the center of one of Scotland’s most historic royal traditions while also giving the day added personal weight because of its connection to his late mother.
Prince William Joins King Charles at St. Giles’ Cathedral
For the cathedral service, William wore the deep green velvet robes and feathered hat of the Order, matching the ceremonial tone set by the King and other senior royals. He arrived with his uncle, Prince Edward, before Charles and Camilla were formally welcomed with a Royal Salute and the national anthem. Outside, anti-monarchy demonstrators held signs reading “What Did You Know?” and chanted “Not my King.” Even with that backdrop, the focus of the occasion stayed on the ancient Scottish order and its annual gathering in the capital.
The Order of the Thistle Marks Scotland’s Highest Honor
The Order of the Thistle is regarded as Scotland’s top order of chivalry and recognizes 16 Knights and Ladies for major contributions to national life. Charles, Camilla, Prince Edward and Princess Anne are among its members, with William also part of the group. The ceremony is often compared with the annual Order of the Garter service at Windsor, but this one carries a distinct Scottish identity. The tradition also changed in 1987, when Queen Elizabeth II decided that women could be admitted to the order as well.
Princess Diana’s Birthday Adds Personal Meaning
This year’s service fell on a date with deep meaning for William: the birthday of Princess Diana, who died in 1997 after a car crash in Paris. That timing gave the public engagement a more reflective tone. Diana’s influence continues to shape William’s public work, especially in areas she cared about deeply. Her commitment to people facing homelessness has remained one of the clearest links between mother and son, and it continues to inform the causes he chooses to champion in royal life.
Homewards Continues a Cause Diana Passed On
Just one day earlier, William was in Aberdeen marking another step for Homewards, his campaign aimed at tackling homelessness. As reported by People, Diana introduced both William and Prince Harry to shelters and charities when they were young, making the issue part of their early lives. William has since built his own approach, from backing practical local initiatives to bringing Prince George into that work. The Scotland appearance therefore carried two layers at once: a formal royal duty and a quiet reminder of the legacy Diana left behind.
