The Royal Company of Archers Arriving at St Giles

Category

Library Item

Item no

29481

Title

The Royal Company of Archers arriving at St Giles Cathedral for the Order of the Thistle Cermony

Artist / maker

MacLean, Kevin

Date

2012

Type

Digital image

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The Order of the Thistle is the highest honour in Scotland. Opinions vary as to its origins, but the order certainly dates from at least the 15th century, and possibly as far back as the 9th. The honour fell out of use around the time of the Reformation and was revived first by James II and VII in 1687, and then again by Queen Anne in 1703. The order is bestowed on Scottish men and women who have held public office or made a significant contribution to the nation. The order maintains its own chapel the Thistle Chapel. The Thistle Chapel was designed by Sir Robert Stodart Lorimer, and added to the south-east corner of St Giles Kirk in 1909-11. It is a private chapel for hosting the ceremonies and services of the Order.
The Order of the Thistle occasionally inducts people of note or high standing into its ranks. Many members of the Royal family are Knights of the Thistle including the Queen, Princess Anne, Prince Charles and this ceremony was to mark the investiture of Prince William into the order's ranks in 2012.

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