Order of the Thistle

The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is an order of chivalry associated with Scotland. While its original date of foundation is unknown, James VII (also King of England as James II) instituted the modern Order in 1687. The Order consists of the Sovereign and sixteen Knights and Ladies, as well as certain "extra" knights (members of the British Royal Family and foreign monarchs). The Sovereign alone grants membership of the Order; he or she is not advised by the Government, as occurs with most other Orders.

References

• Burnett, C. J., Burnett, H. and Bennet, H. "The Green Mantle: A Celebration of the Revival in 1687 of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle." Edinburgh: Royal Scottish Museum.
• Burnett, C. J. and Hodgson, L. Stall Plates of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle in the Chapel of the Order within St Giles' Cathedral, The High Kirk of Edinburgh. Edinburgh: Heraldry Society of Scotland.
• Debrett's Limited. (2004). "The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle."
• "Knighthood and Chivalry." (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica, 11th ed. London: Cambridge University Press.
• Rayment, L. (2003). "Knights of the Thistle."
• Velde, F. R. (2003). "Order of Precedence in England and Wales.