- The royal couple enjoyed a glass of Duncan Taylor whisky in Edinburgh Castle
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King Charles and Queen Camilla appeared in high spirits as they enjoyed a glass of whisky in Edinburgh today.
Queen Camilla sipped a 52-year-old liquor and agreed 'that hits the spot' as she joined her husband to celebrate the city's 900th birthday on Wednesday.
The monarch, wearing his King Charles III Tartan Kilt, also took part in a short Ceremony of The Key as he was welcomed inside the castle.
The City of Edinburgh Band played a specially written piece of music composed by PMaj Lowther of Queen Victoria School called 'King Charles III Welcome to Edinburgh Castle' as the royals were driven up the hill Crown Square.
A brisk wind whipped round the castle amid brief rain showers and Camilla was heard saying: 'I'm hanging onto my umbrella.' Charles told one guest: 'I hope you don't get blown away'.
King Charles and Queen Camilla raised a glass of Duncan Taylor whisky to mark the 900th anniversary of the City of Edinburgh today
When one visitor shook the King's hand and said 'hope you are well, he replied: 'Not too bad.'
The couple met Edinburgh locals including celebrity Gail Porter, 53, and author Ian Rankin before watching an energetic and entertaining routine by Bollywood-style dance troupe 'Dance Ihayami'.
Their routine infused traditional Indian and Scottish music and Charles was overheard telling them 'I liked the bagpipes'.
As they were shown round a string of stalls celebrating Scottish business and culture, two large drams of 52-year-old Macallan whisky from Aberdeen-based firm Duncan Taylor were produced.
Camilla, wearing a mint-coloured Anna Valentine coat, was heard saying satisfyingly: 'That hits the spot, that hits the spot.'
Evan Robertson, director of Duncan Taylor whisky firm based in Aberdeen, said afterwards: 'The King was over the moon about the whisky.'
Kevin Alston, marketing manager, added: 'Camilla was encouraging him. She waited for him to join her and knew he would be cross if she drank it without him.'
To complete the 900-year celebrations King cut a fruit-filled birthday cake made by 2020 Great British Bake Off winner, Peter Sawkins, 24, from Edinburgh.
Her Majesty, 76, appeared to take a liking to the Scottish whisky, which has its origins in Glasgow
His and Her Majesty cut a cake baked by the youngest ever Great British Bake Off winner, Peter Sawkins
75-year-old King Charles similarly appeared to enjoy the afternoon tipple in Edinburgh Castle today
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge (pictured left) joined the monarch in tasting a glass of the Scottish whisky
Earlier in the day, the King installed the Queen and Prince Edward into the highest order of Scottish chivalry on the second and final day of a visit to Scotland, accompanied by Prince William, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay north of the border.
All arrived at St Giles Cathedral, in Edinburgh, wearing their Mantle of the Order of the Thistle and Thistle Stars.
The Queen was bestowed with the Thistle honour by the King last summer and Duke of Edinburgh announced on his birthday in March.
Hundreds of children and well-wishers waited all morning on the Royal Mile to see the royals.
Holly Cooper, 11, waited outside with 80 children and parents from the Queen Victoria Military Boarding School, in Dunblane, for more than three hours to see the King and Queen.
She said: 'It's probably the only time I will get to see them. I thought Queen looked lovely today.'
In 1987, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II decided that women should be eligible for the Thistle in the same way as men.
Peter Sawkins (pictured left) assisted the royal duo as they sliced into his artistic two-tiered creation
Camilla did not let the summer rain dampen her spirits as she arrived at Edinburgh Castle this afternoon
It comes after The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh became members of the Order of the Thistle during a service celebrating Scotland's greatest order of chivalry today.
Camilla and Edward were appointed Royal Knights of the Order by the King and in a private ceremony, also attended by fellow member Prince William, were formally installed during the service being staged at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh also attended but there was no sign of William's wife the Princess of Wales while her chemotherapy treatment for cancer continues, or Princess Anne who is recovering at home after an incident involving a horse.
The Royal Family were also met with protests, with activists from the anti-monarchy group Republic chanting 'Not My King' and holding up banners with the slogan.
King Charles III - who also attended the service today - is the sovereign of the Order and appointments are his personal gift made independently of Downing Street.
The Queen is patron of Maggie's Cancer Care Centres, founded in Edinburgh in 1996 and now with centres across Scotland, England and Wales.
She is also patron or president of a number of charities based in Scotland, including Crathie Opportunity Holidays, Scotland's Gardens Scheme and Horseback UK, and is an honorary member of the local Ballater Women's Institute and the Upper Deeside Art Society.
Edward holds several patronages of Scottish charitable organisations including the Edinburgh International Festival.
Also being appointed to the Order was forensic anthropologist Baroness Sue Black, distinguished lawyer Baroness Helena Kennedy and human rights activist Sir Geoff Palmer.
Sir Geoff became Scotland's first black professor in 1989 and has served as chancellor of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh since 2021.
Charles and Camilla posed for a photograph alongside Peter Sawkins, 24, and his masterful creation
The 76-year-old opted for a summery makeup look for the occasion, complete with nude lipstick
Charles and Camilla appeared in high spirits as they smiled for a picture with the 2020 Great British Bake Off winner
Officially known as The Most and Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, the Order recognises those who have greatly contributed to Scottish life.
There are 16 knights and ladies in the order from industries such as medicine, law, politics, business and academia.
The ceremony always features plenty of pomp and ceremony, with the dress of the Knights including emerald green cloaks and black hats topped with white ostrich feathers.
Upon their arrival, the King and Queen received a Royal Salute given by the Guard of Honour formed by the King's Bodyguard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers.
Afterwards, the King and Queen greeted the interim moderator of St Giles' Cathedral as well as the chancellor, dean and secretary of the Order of the Thistle.
Edward was chosen to mark his 60th birthday and as recognition for his commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh award and National Youth Orchestras of Scotland.
Later today, the King and Queen will attend an event marking the start of celebrations commemorating the 900th anniversary of the Edinburgh Castle.
There will be performances from Dance Base, Scotland's National Centre for Dance, and author Sir Alexander McCall Smith will perform a short poem.
The King and Queen will also speak to local Edinburgh organisations at various displays, showcasing innovation, food, design and charity.
It comes after the King joked about his school's poor performance on the cricket pitch when he hosted a garden party at his official Scottish residence.
Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed about 8,000 visitors to the Palace of Holyrood House yesterday during the first day of their official stay in Edinburgh, known as Holyrood Week, and were joined at the social event by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
At the start of the garden party, the King and his wife were introduced to the first female members of the palace's High Constables, its ceremonial police force, who were appointed last November and were helping guests at their first garden party.
When Charles met Jacqueline and Trevor Hills from Nairn, a seaside resort in the Scottish Highlands, the talk quickly turned to the sound of leather on willow - as cricket is known to fans.
Mr Hills, whose wife was invited to the social event for her role as Nairn's registrar, said: 'Charles said when he was at Gordonstoun he played cricket against a team from Nairn.
'I was debating whether to ask the score when he said his school lost. But he did have the highest score - although he said it wasn't very much.
Commenting on the King, who has been receiving treatment for cancer, he added: 'Charles looks every well considering what he's been through and it was lovely meeting him.'
The new palace constables were Victoria Webber, 42, a breast surgeon; and Belinda Hacking, 52, a psychologist, who said they applied for the posts after hearing about them and sent in their CVs as requested and had a short interview.
Ms Hacking said: 'It's a ceremonial role we're here to help guests if they're lost but the public are quite curious about what we do.'
The two constables carried batons like their other male colleagues but the wooden symbols of office were for display and not to keep the crowds in order.
The four members of the royal family separately toured the garden party meeting a large number of guests and despite grey clouds that threatened rain only a few spots fell.
Earlier, Charles began his official stay in Scotland by receiving the keys to the City of Edinburgh, which is celebrating its 900th anniversary.
He was welcomed by the Lord Provost, City of Edinburgh councillor Robert Aldridge, who presented the keys on a red velvet cushion which Charles symbolically touched.
The King gave the traditional statement after his gesture: 'I return these keys perfectly convinced that they cannot be placed in better hands than those of the Lord Provost and councillors of my good City of Edinburgh.'
