Scotland's Highest Honour
Prince Edward has been appointed to a new role by King Charles – as four new images are released to mark his 60th birthday. The King appointed Edward to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland's highest honour.
Birthday Celebrations
Edward is seen wearing a red jumper underneath a dark buttoned waistcoat in one of the newly released birthday pictures. Other images show him smiling with his three furry friends - Labrador Teal, cocker spaniel Mole, and Labrador puppy Teasel.
Engagements and Tributes
The prince carried out a series of engagements with the Duchess of Edinburgh earlier this week, ahead of his milestone birthday. During a visit to Headingley Stadium in Leeds, he was presented with a Leeds Rhinos rugby shirt with "HRH 60" on the back. His wife, Sophie, paid a tearful tribute to him at the end of the Community Sport and Recreation Awards.
Additional Titles
Charles made Edward the Duke of Edinburgh to mark his 59th birthday, and Queen Elizabeth II granted him the additional title of Earl of Forfar to mark his 55th birthday.
Current Royal Family Status
The slimmed-down working monarchy has been under increasing pressure, with some leading members of the royal family ruled out of public-facing duties. Charles, 75, is undergoing treatment for cancer, and the Princess of Wales is recuperating from abdominal surgery.
