HM Queen Elizabeth II

Category

Library Item

Item no

29521

Title

HM Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh leaving St Giles Cathedral at the Order of the Thistle Ceremony

Description

The Queen and Prince Philip stand at the entrance to St Giles Cathedral as they are saluted by a guard of Royal Archers.

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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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Decorations and ornaments

Architecture > Architectural features > Doors and doorways

Architecture > Architectural features > Stone carvings

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Hats

Clothing and dress > Garments > Cloaks

Clothing and dress > Garments > Costumes

Clothing and dress > Garments > Robes

Clothing and dress > Garments > Uniforms

Events > Ceremonies > Visits of state

People > Politics and government > Princes

People > Politics and government > Queens

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > High Street

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > St Giles Cathedral

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Cathedrals

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