Prince Edward was honored by King Charles III on his 60th birthday, receiving the prestigious Order of the Thistle, Scotland's highest Royal honor.
This recognition, named after the country's national flower, the thistle, is bestowed upon 16 distinguished Scots and selected members of the royal family chosen by the reigning monarch. Last year, King Charles III presented the same award to his wife, Queen Camilla, as part of the tradition.
Additionally, in anticipation of Prince Edward's milestone birthday, Charles had bestowed upon him the title of Duke of Edinburgh, previously held by their father, Prince Philip, husband to Queen Elizabeth II. To commemorate this special occasion, the Buckingham Palace released four new images featuring the Duke of Edinburgh with his beloved pets, showcasing his warmth and affection.
Among well-wishers and admirers, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took a different approach to garner attention, diverting focus from Prince Edward's birthday celebrations. The couple made headlines by visiting the family of a teacher in Texas who tragically lost her life in a shooting incident.
While there, they sang Happy Birthday to Irma Garcia's sister, yet noticeably omitted any acknowledgment of Prince Edward's milestone. A video clip shared online captured the moment, with Meghan seemingly taking center stage, prompting mixed reactions from viewers. Some criticized the couple for overshadowing the birthday girl, while others questioned the motives behind their presence, suggesting it was a calculated PR move.
Body language expert Judy James offered insights into Meghan's behavior during the event, noting her immersive role and dominance in the occasion. Despite Prince Harry's apparent reserve, Meghan appeared comfortable and assertive, almost blending seamlessly into the family dynamics. Observers also noted Prince Harry's subdued presence, contrasting Meghan's more prominent role, which some interpreted as a deliberate attempt to draw attention to herself. This latest move by the couple reignited debates about their public image and their approach to engagements within the royal sphere.
