Prince William and Princess Kate share a joyful moment during the Scottish coronation celebration of King Charles.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were captured expressing affection in public at the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication, held at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
The couple, attending the service in honor of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s crowning, are depicted smiling and engaged in whispered conversation.
In a playful gesture, Kate, 41, lightly taps William’s lower back, as seen in photographs taken during the event in Scotland’s capital.
In a grand event filled with ceremonial splendor and solemnity in Edinburgh, Charles was bestowed with the Honours of Scotland, which symbolize his authority in the country.
These symbols, including the Crown, the Sceptre, and the Sword of State, were presented to him during a day that featured pomp, pageantry, and prayer.
Distinguished individuals from various realms of Scottish life, alongside prominent figures from Scotland, gathered at St Giles’ Cathedral.
They participated in a service of thanksgiving and dedication held in honor of the King and Queen.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, who are referred to as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, were in attendance as well.
They joined the royal procession and entered the cathedral after the monarch and his spouse, while the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh also took part in the service.
During the occasion, Kate was adorned in a coat designed by Catherine Walker, complemented by a hat created by Philip Treacy.
She also wore a necklace sourced from the collection of the late Queen. In contrast, William donned his RAF No1 uniform.
Among the attendees at the service, Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf took part by delivering a reading.
Notable political figures present included Douglas Ross, leader of the Scottish Conservative Party, Anas Sarwar, leader of the Scottish Labour Party, and Alex Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
The service incorporated both timeless elements of Scottish royal tradition and newer additions.
This included specially composed musical pieces for the occasion, a Gaelic psalm, and passages from the New Testament recited in Scots.
The sermon during the service was delivered by Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. She concluded the service by providing a blessing.
Several other individuals played significant roles in the event. Renowned violinist Nicola Benedetti was among the musicians who performed, while Olympic rower Dame Katherine Grainger carried the Elizabeth Sword, which served as a substitute for the Sword of State.
Seated among the congregation were participants from the people’s procession, a group of approximately 100 people representing various aspects of Scottish society, including the arts, politics, education, civil society, and business.
This inclusive group also comprised charities that receive patronage from the King.
Observing the people’s procession as it departed from the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle was Major General Alastair Bruce, the governor of the castle.
The procession was accompanied by four mounted sections of the SCOTS Dragoon Guards, the Pipes & Drums of Robert Gordon’s Combined Cadet Force, and the 51 Brigade Cadet Military Band.
