King Charles III of England has awarded the Duke of Edinburgh, his brother Edward, Scotland’s highest decoration for his 60th birthday: entry into the Order of the Thistle. This honor, known for its importance and tradition, has been granted to Eduardo without the need to consult with the Prime Minister.
This recognition comes a year after Charles bestowed upon Edward the title of Duke of Edinburgh on his 59th birthday, a title accompanied by Edward’s commitment and dedication to a number of Scottish charities, including the Edinburgh International Festival.
His first solo appearance with the title took place a few days later at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, at a reception for participants in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, which highlighted his continued commitment to youth and the community.
The Order of the Thistle, known for being Scotland’s highest decoration, has also welcomed other distinguished members. They include the anthropologist Dame Sue Black, the lawyer Baroness Helena Kennedy and Sir Geoff Palmer, Scotland’s first black don, who, along with the Duke of Edinburgh, will be officially inaugurated at a ceremony planned for the summer.
The Order of the Thistle, reserved for those who have played a public role or contributed significantly to Scottish life, remains a prestigious tradition in the United Kingdom, second only to the Order of the Garter. The king, as Sovereign of the Order, has the exclusive prerogative of appointing members without influence from the prime minister.
The Order of the Thistle, distinguished as Scotland’s highest decoration, occupies a very important place in Scottish and British tradition. This order of chivalry, with a rich history often shrouded in the mystery of legend, focuses on honoring individuals for their outstanding contribution to Scottish public or national life.
The formal founding of the Order is attributed to James VII of Scotland – James II of England – in 1687, although tradition holds that its roots go back much further in time. According to some accounts, the Order could date back to the reign of Alexander III in 1286, linked to a legend in which a thistle helped prevent a surprise attack by the Vikings by causing pain to one of the invaders, who stepped on the plant barefoot, warning thus to the Scottish defenders.
Over the centuries the Order has evolved, but its essence and purpose have remained the same: to recognize outstanding services to Scotland. The inclusion of women in the Order, starting in 1987 by decision of Queen Elizabeth II, was an important step towards modernization
Thus, the Order is made up of the Sovereignty, the Knights and Ladies of the Order, and the Royal Knights and Ladies. Membership is limited to a select number and only the king can say who enters.
