Queen arrives at St Giles' Cathedral for annual Order of the Thistle service

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Draped in ceremonial robes, the Queen and Prince Philip led senior members of the Royal Family as they arrived for the annual Order of the Thistle service.

The royal couple were joined by Princess Anne, Prince William and Knights of the Order for the proceedings at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.

The Order of the Thistle recognises men and women who have held public office or who have contributed in a significant way to Scottish life. It is the highest honour in Scotland and the second in the UK, preceded only by the Order of the Garter.

The Queen and senior royals arrive at St Giles' Cathedral for annual Order of the Thistle service for her most senior Scottish knights and ladies


The Queen, Prince Philip, Princess Anne and Prince William all attended the annual Order of the Thistle service

Order recognises men and women who have held public office or who have contributed significantly to national life

It is the highest honour in Scotland and is the second highest order in the UK after the Order of the Garter

By Stephanie Linning for MailOnline
7 July 2016

Draped in ceremonial robes, the Queen and Prince Philip led senior members of the Royal Family as they arrived for the annual Order of the Thistle service.

The royal couple were joined by Princess Anne, Prince William and Knights of the Order for the proceedings at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.

The Order of the Thistle recognises men and women who have held public office or who have contributed in a significant way to Scottish life. It is the highest honour in Scotland and the second in the UK, preceded only by the Order of the Garter.


Draped in traditional robes, the monarch was joined by Prince Philip and Prince William for the annual ceremony at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh




Wearing a white dress under her regalia, the Queen looked contemplative as she walked alongside senior members of her family

Prince Philip, Princess Anne and Prince William were also present for the service honours the most senior Scottish knights and ladies

Wearing a white embellished dress under her regalia, the Queen looked contemplative as she walked alongside members of her family.

Her Majesty's long mantle was so cumbersome that a page boy, dressed in traditional green garments, was enlisted to help hold it up at times.

She walked alongside Prince William, who is known as the Earl of Strathearn in Scotland and was installed into the Order of the Thistle in 2012.

The Princess Royal, who was herself invested in the Order of the Thistle in June 2001, also joined the group.

The Royal Family were accompanied by other members of the Order of the Thistle, including Lord Robertson of Port Ellen and Lord Steel of Aikwood, who wore ceremonial robes.

Knights and Ladies of the Order wear a mantle of green velvet bound with taffeta and tied with cords and tassels of green and gold.

The gold collar consists of thistles, suspended from the centre an enamelled representation of St Andrew, surrounded by golden rays.


The Princess Royal, Prince William, Prince Philip and the Queen lead the procession as they take part in the traditional service




Former Liberal Party leader Lord Steel of Aikwood, pictured top today, and former Defence Secretary and NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, bottom, were both appointed Knights of the Order in 2004


The Royal Family were accompanied by other members of the Order of the Thistle, including Lord Robertson of Port Ellen (centre) and Lord Steel of Aikwood (third from right), who wore ceremonial gowns

Steeped in ancient traditions, today's proceedings feature an impressive service in Parliament Square.

There, accompanied by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the Queen and the royal party are met by the Chancellor of the Thistle, the Dean of the Thistle and the Secretary of the Thistle and taken to the Signet Library.

They then join the rest of the Order in the procession to the chapel. In a private service, the Queen installs any new members.

The rest of the service then commences after a second process into the cathedral.

The Queen is in Scotland for Holyrood Week, which sees the monarch visiting different regions in the country every year. Earlier this week she hosted a reception at Holyrood Palace to honour Scots for their commitment to public service.

Around 140 people were invited to the event to celebrate their contribution to society in areas ranging from physics to sport.

The Queen and Prince Philip also attended a Sunday service at Edinburgh's Canongate Kirk.

STEEPED IN TRADITION: THE HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF THE THISTLE - AND THE CURRENT MEMBERS

History of the Order of the Thistle



Insignia of a Knight Companion of The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle


The Order of the Thistle represents the highest honour in Scotland and honours men and women who have held have worked in public office or have contributed to the Scottish nation.

The order is the highest honour in Scotland and the second in the UK, preceded only by the Order of the Garter.

It was established by James II in 1687 with a statutory foundation.

In 1688, the Order fell into disuse following James II's abdication until it was revived by Queen Anne in 1703. The number of knights remained at 12.

The patron saint of the Order of the Thistle is St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, who also appears on the Order's badge.

Knights and Ladies of the Order wear a mantle of green velvet bound with taffeta and tied with cords and tassels of green and gold.

The gold collar consists of thistles, suspended from the centre an enamelled representation of St Andrew, surrounded by golden rays.

The motto is 'Nemo me impune lacessit' (No one harms me with impunity).

Current members

Andrew, Earl of Elgin and Kincardine KT JP DL (1981)
David, Earl of Airlie KT GCVO PC JP (1985)
Robert, Earl of Crawford and Balcarres KT GCVO PC DL (1996)
Lady Marion Fraser LT (1996)
Norman, Lord Macfarlane of Bearsden KT DL (1996)
James, Lord Mackay of Clashfern KT PC QC (1997)
David, Lord Wilson of Tillyorn KT GCMG (2000)
Stewart, Lord Sutherland of Houndwood KT (2002)
Sir Eric Anderson KT (2002)
David, Lord Steel of Aikwood KT KBE PC (2004)
George, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen KT GCMG PC (2004)
William, Lord Cullen of Whitekirk KT PC (2007)
David, Lord Hope of Craighead KT PC QC (2009)
Narendra, Lord Patel KT (2009)
David, Earl of Home KT CVO CBE (2014)
Robert, Lord Smith of Kelvin KT CH (2014)


 
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