The King has appointed The Queen as a member of the Order of the Thistle.
The Order is the highest honour in Scotland.
Queen Camilla is now one of sixteen knights of the Order.
His Majesty appointed Her Majesty on June 16th 2023 with immediate effect.
The Order of the Thistle was established under statutory foundation in 1687, during the reign of King James II (James VII in Scotland). However, its origins are much earlier. Legend has it that it first started as early as the 9th century when King Achaius made an alliance with the Emperor, Charlemagne.
King James III is also closely associated with the legend of the Order with claims that he may have founded it, too.
King Charles III is Sovereign of the Order and all appointments to it are in his personal gift.
Membership recognises those who have held public office or contributed to public life in Scotland.
Its motto is Nemo me impune lacessit which translates as ”no one harms me with impunity”.
The Order meets for an annual service at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh where the Thistle Chapel is located. Knights wear their deep green velvet mantle and a hat with a plumed feather.
Other royal members of the Order are the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal.
