Why Princess Kate Stunned in Blue Instead of Ceremonial Robes at King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Scottish Coronation

The Princess of Wales, known as the Duchess of Wrothsay in Scotland, made a stylish statement at King Charles and Queen Camilla's Scottish coronation.

Princess Kate captivated onlookers with her impeccable fashion choice, donning a striking blue Catherine Walker coat paired with a hat by Philip Treacy and a four-strand pearl choker from the late Queen's collection.

While all eyes were on Kate's regal ensemble, some royal enthusiasts may have pondered why she opted out of wearing ceremonial robes like her husband Prince William, King Charles, and Queen Camilla.

The explanation is quite simple – Charles, Camilla, and William are members of the prestigious Order of the Thistle, the highest order of chivalry in Scotland.

As Sovereign of the Order, Charles has the authority to bestow appointments to individuals who have made significant contributions to Scottish public life.

The Order, which ranks second only to the Order of the Garter in England, consists of 16 knights and ladies, including Camilla, William, and Princess Anne.

For the service of thanksgiving and dedication at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Charles, Camilla, and William donned their distinguished Order of the Thistle robes.

William complemented his attire with his RAF No 1 uniform and four RAF Wings medals.

However, since Kate has not been appointed a Lady of the Order of the Thistle, she did not wear ceremonial robes for the occasion.

Camilla radiated elegance in her symbolic thistle robe, complete with the star and collar previously owned by the late Queen.

This marked the first time Her Majesty had been seen in her thistle robes following her appointment to the Order in June 2023.

She paired the ensemble with a stunning white dress designed by Bruce Oldfield.

The midweek event, part of Scotland's Royal Week, brought together prominent figures from Scotland's national life to witness King Charles receiving the honours of Scotland, including the country's crown jewels.

The coronation regalia used, such as the crown, sceptre, and sword of state, had historical significance, having been utilized during the reigns of Mary, Queen of Scots, James VI, Charles I, and Charles II.

The crown, originally fashioned for James V in 1540, underwent modifications to its current form by an Edinburgh goldsmith.

The sceptre and sword, initially gifts from the Pope to James IV, were replaced with the new Elizabeth sword named in honor of the late Queen due to the fragile state of its predecessor.

The ceremony seamlessly blended centuries-old Scottish royal traditions with modern elements, including specially composed music and passages from the New Testament recited in Scots.

Commencing with a people's procession from the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, the service featured a 100-member group led by Corporal Crewarchan IV, the Shetland Pony regimental mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.