Order of the Thistle
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The ancient Order of the Thistle is Scotland’s highest order of chivalry. Its origins go back to the legend of the Cross of Saint Andrew, which appeared in the sky on the eve of a successful battle against the English king, Athelstan in the early 10th century and became Scotland’s national emblem.
It fell out of favour but was revived by James II of England in 1687.
By a statute of 1827, the Order consists of the Sovereign and sixteen knights. The insignia is a silver Cross of St. Andrew surrounding a green thistle and the motto: “Nemo Me Impune Lassecit” (“No one wounds me with impunity.”)
It is Scotland’s equivalent to the Order of the Garter.