Prince Edward replaces Kate in new royal portrait

King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William all returned to attend this year’s Order of the Thistle ceremony in Scotland, but fans were quick to notice Kate Middleton’s absence. While many onlookers were certainly hoping Princess Kate will be by her husbandAlongside her at the event, another royal took her place during her recovery journey after being diagnosed with cancer.

Prince Edward joined the King, Queen and Prince of Wales at St Giles Cathedral today as part of the annual Royal Week in Scotland. Charles has been part of Scotland’s greatest knighthood since 1977, with William joining in 2012. Meanwhile, this year’s ceremony marked the formal acceptance of Camilla and Edward into the order.

They marked the day with an official portrait posted to the royal family’s social media pages, showing each wearing their traditional uniform of green velvet robes, with the insignia of their order and white feathered hats.

“The King and Queen with the Prince of Wales (known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland) and the Duke of Edinburgh attend the Thistle Service at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh today,” the caption reads.

An hour earlier, Kensington Palace shared a montage of footage from the ceremony. The clip captured moments such as William walking down the aisle in his dress, Charles smiling as he chatted with attendees, and Duchess Sophie walking with her husband Edward.

“Celebrating the men and women who have made so many contributions to life in Scotland at this special ceremony in Edinburgh today,” the palace wrote. “Congratulations to the newest Knights and Dames of the Order of the Thistle 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿”

The event, which takes place every two years, honours 16 knights and dames, with the appointments being presented as a personal gift from the monarch. After the awards, attendees will attend a reception at the Signet Library and lunch at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Last year, William, Charles and Camila attended the ceremony in their Order of the Thistle regalia on 5 July 2023, along with Kate, who looked radiant in a Catherine Walker blue frock, matching Philip Treacy headpiece, matching clutch and Queen Elizabeth pearl necklace. The Duchess, or Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, did not wear the custom-made gown as she is not a member of the Order of the Thistle.

Kate did not make the trip to Scotland this year as she has been undergoing preventative cancer treatment since earlier this year. She had her first royal engagement in six months at Color Parade However, her appearance on June 15 did not mean she would return to royal duties. However, there is speculation that she could step out. Wimbledon at the end of this month