The Queen and The Duke of Cambridge. Photo Credit: Rex Features
The breast star of the Order: “…consists of a silver saltire with a pointed ray between each of the arms of the cross. At the centre is a gold medallion contained in an enamelled representation of the thistle, surrounded by a green border bearing the Order’s motto.” Photo and description from the official website of the British Monarchy.
In honor of The Duke of Cambridge’s upcoming 30th birthday, the Queen will make William a Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle; it is Scotland’s highest award of chivalry granted by the Queen, second only to the UK’s Order of the Garter.
“The Order honours Scottish men and women who have held public office or who have contributed in a particular way to national life,”says the official website of the British Monarchy.
It is unknown exactly when the Order came to be, however, legend dictates that it began in 809 when King Achaius made an alliance with the Emperor Charlemagne.
Facts about the Order as stated on the official website of the British Monarchy:
Motto: Nemo me impune lacessit (No one harms me with impunity)
Chapel: Thistle Chapel, St. Giles’ Cathedral
Ranks: Knight or Lady
Post-nominals: KT or LT
