Pageantry and pomp at cathedral

The Army in Scotland has provided one of its most exacting ceremonial roles in support of the annual Order of The Thistle Service at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh.

A Guard of Honour from The Royal Regiment of Scotland as well as the Monarch’s personal guard while in Scotland from the Royal Company of Archers provided the pageantry and pomp as members of one of the oldest orders of Chivalry arrived on 30 June for the service in the presence of The Prince of Wales and The Princess Royal.

The Prince of Wales and Princess Royal at the annual Order of The Thistle Service at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. ©MoD Crown Copyright 2022 — The Prince of Wales and The Princess Royal at the Order of The Thistle Service at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. ©MoD Crown Copyright 2022

The current Order of The Thistle was founded in 1687 by King James who asserted he was reviving an earlier order. It consists of The Sovereign and 16 knights or ladies as well as some extra knights recognised for their service to Scotland and the Monarch.