On a summer morning in Edinburgh, the King and Queen, accompanied by the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Edinburgh, process up the Royal Mile towards St Giles' Cathedral. The street is lined with fans and protesters alike as the royals attend the Order of the Thistle Service, the centrepiece of the annual Holyrood Week. For many onlookers, the ceremony is a spectacle of ancient pageantry; for others, it raises questions about a tradition that remains little understood outside Scotland.
The Order of the Thistle is Scotland's highest order of chivalry, second only in the United Kingdom to the Order of the Garter. Its full name is the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle. The order recognises Scottish men and women who have held public office or contributed significantly to national life. Appointments are made personally by the monarch, who is the Sovereign of the order. The service in Edinburgh, held every summer during Holyrood Week, is the order's principal ceremonial occasion. Members wear distinctive green robes, a white surcoat, and a collar bearing the thistle, Scotland's national emblem.
“An explainer on the ancient Scottish order of chivalry, its history, and its significance today.”
The order's origins are deliberately obscure. Tradition claims it was founded in 809 by King Achaius, though most historians date its formal establishment to 1687 when King James VII of Scotland (James II of England) revived it. After a period of dormancy, Queen Anne re-founded it in 1703. Today, the order consists of the Sovereign and 16 knights and ladies, known as "Knights of the Thistle". Additional members, such as members of the royal family, can be appointed as "extra knights". The order's chapel is in St Giles' Cathedral, where each member has a stall with their coat of arms. A unique tradition of the Order of the Thistle is that the monarch may nominate members without requiring ministerial advice, making it a personal gift of the sovereign.
For UK readers, the Order of the Thistle matters as a living link to Scotland's distinct identity within the union. It remains a powerful symbol of Scottish heritage, separate from the English-focused Order of the Garter. The appointments often spark public interest and debate, as they highlight individuals who have shaped Scottish culture, politics, or public service. Holyrood Week itself, during which the order's service is held, is a key moment when the royal family reinforces their connection to Scotland. In recent years, protests have also become a feature of the event, reflecting contemporary political tensions around the monarchy and Scottish independence. The presence of Prince William, who is the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, underscores the future king's role in upholding these traditions.
Q: Who can be appointed to the Order of the Thistle? The order has 16 knights and ladies, plus the Sovereign and extra knights from the royal family. Appointments are made by the monarch and are usually for Britons who have held high public office or made outstanding contributions in Scotland. Modern appointees have included politicians, scientists, artists, and community leaders.
Q: What happens during the Thistle Service? The service takes place at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, typically as part of Holyrood Week. Knights process in ceremonial robes, and new members are installed. The service includes prayers, hymns, and a sermon. Afterwards, the royals often greet crowds along the Royal Mile.
Q: Why is it called the Order of the Thistle? The thistle is Scotland's national flower, and legend says it was adopted as an emblem after a Viking invader stepped on a thistle and cried out, alerting the Scots. The order's motto is "Nemo me impune lacessit" ("No one provokes me with impunity"), which is associated with the thistle and the Scottish crown.
What happens next? The order's membership will continue to evolve as the monarch makes new appointments. Public interest may grow as younger royals like Prince William become more involved. Holyrood Week will remain an annual fixture, with the order's service a focal point for both celebration and debate about Scotland's place in the UK.