On his 60th birthday, Prince Edward has been awarded the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s highest royal honour, by King Charles. The Order of the Thistle is a prestigious honour that can only be bestowed by the King himself. It currently recognises 16 knights, as well as men and women who have held public office or have made a significant contribution to national life. Other new recipients of the order this year include anthropologist Professor Dame Sue Black, distinguished lawyer Baroness Helena Kennedy and Scotland’s first black professor Sir Geoff Palmer.
After the death of his father, Prince Philip, the duke was made Duke of Edinburgh at the age of 59 by King Charles. He recently spoke in an interview about how it is a “huge privilege” but that there is “quite a lot of weight of expectation as well…” due to the legacy that comes with the title. In an image released to mark his 60th birthday, the duke is seen smiling with his three dogs.
The Order of the Thistle has a long history, dating back to 1687 when it was established by King James VII of Scotland (James II). The honour is traditionally given to Scots or people of Scots ancestry and is second only in precedence in England to the Order of the Garter. The service sees knights take part in a procession to St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh dressed in green velvet robes and white plumed hats.
Prince William and Princess Anne are both in the order, along with various members of the aristocracy and House of Lords. The honour recognises those who have made significant contributions to public life, and it is a great privilege to receive it from the King himself
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