Buckingham Palace King Charles has bestowed the prestigious honor of membership in the Order of the Thistle upon Queen Camilla.
As the highest honor in Scotland, the Order holds great significance.
Queen Camilla now joins a distinguished group of sixteen knights within the Order.
His Majesty, on June 16th, 2023, granted Her Majesty this appointment with immediate effect.
The Order of the Thistle, established by statutory foundation in 1687 during the reign of King James II (James VII in Scotland), traces its roots back even further. Legend suggests that it originated as early as the 9th century when King Achaius formed an alliance with Emperor Charlemagne.
There are also claims associating King James III with the establishment of the Order.
King Charles III serves as the Sovereign of the Order, and all appointments to it are made at his discretion.
Membership in the Order is a recognition of individuals who have held public office or made significant contributions to public life in Scotland.
Its motto, "Nemo me impune lacessit," translates to "No one harms me with impunity."
The Order convenes annually for a service at St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, where the Thistle Chapel is situated. Knights don a deep green velvet mantle and a hat adorned with a plumed feather.
Among the royal members of the Order are the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal. Photo by Mark Tantrum, Wikimedia commons.