Isla Grist, a 17-year-old charity campaigner from Inverness, described meeting the King as a “great honour” at the annual garden party held in the gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh on Tuesday. Thousands gathered to meet the King and Queen, who were joined by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal. Despite many guests clutching umbrellas, the rain held off for the royal visit.
Rare Skin Condition Awareness
Isla was born with Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare skin condition also known as butterfly skin, which causes severe blistering. She attended the event alongside former Scottish international footballer Graeme Souness, representing the charity DEBRA UK, to raise awareness of the condition with the King.
Speaking about her conversation with King Charles, Isla said: “He asked me about the charity that me and Graeme are involved in. He was very up-to-knowledge, which must be a hard job with all these people.” When asked how she felt about meeting the King and Queen, she added: “A little bit nervous, but mostly excited. It’s a great honour.”
Royal Week in Scotland
The annual garden party is part of Royal Week in Scotland, where the royal family hosts guests who have made contributions to their communities. The event saw the King and Queen, along with other senior royals, greeting attendees in the palace gardens.
Graeme Souness, who played for and managed Liverpool and Rangers and captained Scotland at the 1986 World Cup, has been involved with DEBRA UK for seven years and was appointed its president in April. He emphasised that meeting the King was “all about awareness” for EB.
Graeme Souness on Awareness and Fundraising
Souness said: “With more awareness, that means we can raise more money, because if you dig deep into this condition… it’s harrowing when you witness it.” Last year, he completed a relay swim of the English Channel for DEBRA UK. He noted that around 5,000 people in the UK are affected by EB and expressed hope that images of Isla with the King and Queen would appear widely to help the cause.
Upcoming Thistle Service
On Wednesday, the King and Queen, the Duke of Rothesay (the Prince of Wales), and the Duke of Edinburgh will attend the Thistle Service at St Giles’ Cathedral. The Order of the Thistle is Scotland’s greatest order of chivalry, recognising 16 knights with the highest honour, as well as Scottish men and women who have held public office or contributed significantly to national life.
