Royals met by noisy protestors as they arrive for Thistle service – ‘What did you know?’
Anti-monarchists staged a noisy protest outside the Order of the Thistle service in Edinburgh today, shouting ‘Not My King’ as members of the Royal Family passed them in a motorcade. The protestors chanted and held placards reading ‘What did you know?’ in reference to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The former prince has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
The small group, organised by protest group Republic, gathered behind a cordon holding the yellow signs that also read: ‘Charles what are you hiding?’ and ‘Not my King’. They were surrounded by flag-waving well-wishers who were excitedly waiting to catch a glimpse of the royals as they arrived for the service at St Giles’s Cathedral.
The King and Queen, Prince of Wales and Duke of Edinburgh all arrived in their grand emerald velvet robes and large plumed hats.
King Charles has been met by anti-monarchy protestors
Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said: “I’m proud of our campaigners and activists who get out there and make sure the message is heard loud and clear. We are not a nation of royalists.” He added: “Only 45% of the country now supports retaining the monarchy. That’s massive – we are on the path to abolition, plain and simple.”
(Image: Matthew Aslett)
King visits Scotland for Holyrood Week
The King and Queen passed the protestors in the Royal Bentley. The other royals followed behind.
(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)
King and Queen arrive at the service
The King and Queen arrive for the Order of the Thistle service during Royal Week. The royal couple kicked off the week-long celebration of Scottish culture yesterday.
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The British Royal Family Visit Scotland For Royal Week – Day 2
The Prince of Wales is attending the service, having attended an engagement in Aberdeen yesterday afternoon. He arrived with his uncle, Prince Edward.
(Image: Getty Images)
King visits Scotland for Holyrood Week
The Order of the Thistle recognises 16 knights, drawn from men and women who have held public office or given a “particular contribution” to national life, alongside additional Royal knights. Only the monarch can bestow the honour on someone.
King visits Scotland for Holyrood Week
The Thistle service takes place every other year and sees the knights take part in a grand procession to the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle in Edinburgh. They wear striking green velvet robes, glistening insignia and white-plumed hats.
(Image: Aaron Chown/PA Wire)
King visits Scotland for Holyrood Week
The Knights and Ladies meet for a ceremony at The Thistle Chapel in St Giles’ Cathedral, where any new Members are installed into the Order by the Sovereign. The procession begins in the Signet Library in Edinburgh Town Centre, while just outside the Library in Parliament Square, the Guard of Honour with the Colours (flags) of the Royal Company of Archers (King’s Body Guard for Scotland), accompanied by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
(Image: Aaron Chown/PA Wire)
