Prince Edward: King Charles marks younger brother’s 60th birthday by awarding him the Order of the Thistle

Prince Edward has been attending more and more public events ever since Queen Elizabeth’s health started declining in 2022. Since his brother Charles became King, Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, have been strong pillars for His Majesty.

To mark Prince Edward’s 60th birthday, his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh shared a loving message for him. In a joint visit to Leeds, the Duchess of Edinburgh said:

Like an iceberg, what is seen above the water or in public is only a small proportion of what goes on behind the scenes.

She ended her loving tribute explaining that Prince Edward is ‘the best of fathers, the most loving of husbands and still is my best friend’.

For his 60th birthday, King Charles has bestowed his younger brother a remarkable gift, the highest honour in Scotland. Here’s what Prince Edward got for his birthday.

Prince Edward was appointed to the Order of the Thistle

As per most Royal birthdays, a new portrait of the Duke of Edinburgh was released. In the portrait, Prince Edward is sitting on a low brick wall, smiling with his three dogs, a labrador called Teal, a cocker spaniel named Mole and a labrador puppy, named Teasel.

But that wasn’t the only thing Prince Edward got for his birthday, as per Sky News, Prince Edward has been appointed to the Order of the Thistle by his older brother, King Charles.

As mentioned before, this isn’t the first time Prince Edward has received titles or honours for his birthday, as many know, last year, King Charles bestowed Prince Edward their late father’s title, Duke of Edinburgh, thus making Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh.

For Prince Edward’s 55th birthday in 2019, Queen Elizabeth had given her youngest son the title of Earl of Forfar, another Scottish title.

What is the Order of the Thistle?

Prince Edward was appointed to the Order of the Thistle, alongside anthropologist Professor Dame Sue Black, distinguished lawyer Baroness Helena Kennedy and Scotland's first black professor Sir Geoff Palmer, as reported by Sky News.

You may be wondering what the Order of the Thistle is. Firstly, the Order of the Thistle can only be appointed by King Charles - or whoever the reigning monarch is - and it is entirely his decision, he does not need to consult the Prime Minister, currently Rishi Sunak.

As per BBC News, the Order of the Thistle is the highest honour to receive in Scotland and it currently recognises 16 knights as well as men and women who have made particular contributions to national life or who have held public office. In 2023, King Charles also bestowed the honour on his wife, Queen Camilla.

The Order of the Thistle was first established in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland (James II), however, it is believed the honour goes back further. Princess Anne and Prince William are also in the Order of the Thistle.

Those who are appointed to the order take part in a ceremony held at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. The service has knights take part in a procession to the chapel, wearing green velvet robes and white plumed hats.

According to St Giles Cathedral, the Order of the Thistle is ‘traditionally given to Scots or people of Scots ancestry’.

Read more:

⋙ Prince Edward resumes royal duties after short break as he visits youth centre

⋙ Princess Charlotte could get an unexpected title that was once held by Queen Elizabeth II

⋙ Prince George will inherit these 7 lesser-known titles one day

Sources used:

Sky News: ‘Prince Edward appointed to new role by King as he marks his 60th birthday’

BBC News: ‘King Charles appoints Duke of Edinburgh to Scotland's Order of the Thistle’

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