Order of the Thistle
Videos
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is an order of chivalry associated with Scotland. The current version of the order was founded in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland, who asserted that he was reviving an earlier order. The order consists of the sovereign and sixteen knights and ladies, as well as certain "extra" knights. The sovereign alone grants membership of the order; they are not advised by the government, as occurs with most other orders.
John Drummond, 1st Earl of Melfort in 1688; originator of the 'revived' order
James V wearing a Thistle-style collar, c. 1538
Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex in the robes of a Knight of the Order of the Thistle
Vestments of a Knight of the Thistle
Order of the Garter
Videos
The Most Noble Order of the Garter is an order of chivalry founded by Edward III of England in 1348. The most senior order of knighthood in the British honours system, it is outranked in precedence only by the decorations of the Victoria Cross and the George Cross. The Order of the Garter is dedicated to the image and arms of Saint George, England's patron saint.
Badge of the Order embroidered onto the left shoulder of a Knight's blue velvet mantle
Henry of Grosmont, Earl (later Duke) of Lancaster (d. 1361), the second appointee of the Order, shown wearing a tabard displaying the royal arms of England over which is his blue mantle or garter robe. Illuminated miniature from the Bruges Garter Book c. 1430 by William Bruges, first Garter King of Arms
"Roy" Edward III, King of England. Bruges Garter Book.
Statutes of the Order of the Garter, this copy having once belonged to Emperor Alexander III of Russia