Proud Duchess by William's side as he receives historic Scottish honour

Prince William has been installed as a Knight of the Order of the Thistle at a special ceremony in Edinburgh.

By his side was his proud wife, the Duchess of Cambridge who chose an elegant soft gold coat dress and cappuccino coloured fascinator for the momentous occasion.

William – known in Scotland as the Earl of Strathearn – processed inside St Giles Cathedral with his aunt, the Princess Royal, already a member of the Order.

They were followed by the non-royal knights, equally resplendent in their official regalia.

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Moments later, Kate made her way inside with Lady Sarah Chatto, the daughter of Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon.

Lady Sarah's son acted as a page for the Queen during the ceremony of the ancient Order of the Thistle, which can only be bestowed by the monarch.

There are currently only 16 knights in the order, including Prince Philip, Princess Anne and William’s father, Prince Charles.

He was unable to attend the ceremony, having a prior engagement about climate change at his home in Highgrove.

During the ceremony, the Queen addressed her grandson with the words: "It is our pleasure that his Royal Highness the Prince William, Earl of Strathearn, be installed a Knight of the most ancient and most noble Order of the Thistle."

The 30-year-old Prince then moved to a vacant stall within the Thistle chapel of the cathedral where he solemnly took an oath to be "loyal and true to my Sovereign Lady the Queen and the members of this Order.

"I shall maintain the honour and dignity of the most ancient and most noble Order of the Thistle to the best power if God let," he pledged.

"I shall never bear treason about in my heart against our Sovereign Lady the Queen, but shall discover the same to her. So defend me God."

The honour is the highest order of Scottish chivalry, and is second only to the Order of the Garter – which William received in 2008. 

It began in 1687 and has the motto Nemo Me Impune Lacesit (No One Provokes Me With Impunity).

Following the 40-minute ceremony, there was a spectacular parade down the Royal Mile.

Led by 400 pipers, the celebration included drummers and dancers and was watched by thousands of cheering people on the streets of Edinburgh.

The event is the latest in a series of special engagements the Queen is undertaking to mark 60 years on the throne.

She is traditionally in Scotland for Royal Week, but this year is incorporating celebrations for her Diamond Jubilee.

The monarch has already attended events in Edinburgh and Glasgow, and on Friday she and Prince Philip will visit Perth, which was awarded city status to mark the Jubilee.