King Charles has had a notable week, celebrating his 76th birthday and attending the premiere of Gladiator II. The monarch has also been hosting fellow royals, with King Abdullah of Jordan visiting the UK last week and King Hamad of Bahrain arriving on Monday.
Following these visits, King Charles appointed both monarchs as Honorary Knights Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
This decision is unusual, as typically the Royal Victorian Order is bestowed upon British royals or heirs to foreign thrones, rather than reigning monarchs. However, the King had special reasons for honoring Abdullah and Hamad. Both are marking their Silver Jubilees this year, making the appointments a gesture of appreciation.
Additionally, non-European monarchs are often given the Order of Bath, a higher distinction that is generally conferred during state visits, which was not the case for either King Abdullah or King Hamad.
The Royal Victorian Order was originally established by Queen Victoria in 1896 to recognize services to the British Empire. The announcement of these honors came just a day before King Charles’s birthday, a milestone he marked by opening two Coronation Food Hubs. One was opened in person, while the other was done virtually.
During the visit, the King participated in a “surplus food festival,” celebrating food that would have otherwise been wasted. He also toured the facility, engaging with food bank representatives and community groups.
In addition to his charitable endeavors, the King received an exciting gift on his birthday—news that a new tartan, designed at his request, had been registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans. The Balmoral Glen Gelder tartan, designed by the Scottish Tartans Authority, features a unique blend of greens, blues, and reds.
Inspired by a historic piece of Highland tartan discovered in Glen Affric, the new design will be used for furnishings and staff uniforms at Balmoral and will also be available to the public in limited products starting next year. The tartan’s name references Glen Gelder, a scenic area near Balmoral Castle.
