Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, has been formally installed into Scotland's highest chivalric order, the Order of the Thistle, in a prestigious ceremony at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh. The event also saw legendary actor Sir Michael Caine and former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair receiving the same honour.
A Royal and Star-Studded Affair
The historic ceremony, held on Wednesday, brought together royalty, political figures, and entertainment icons in a celebration of service and achievement. Princess Anne, known for her tireless work ethic and dedication to public service, was seen in full regalia alongside her distinguished fellow appointees.
The Order of the Thistle: Scotland's Highest Honour
The Order of the Thistle is considered Scotland's greatest order of chivalry, second only to the Order of the Garter in prestige. Appointments to this exclusive order are made personally by the monarch and recognise exceptional service to the nation.
Buckingham Palace announced the new appointments in June, with the formal installation marking the culmination of the process. The ceremony included traditional elements that have remained largely unchanged since the order's revival in 1687.
Notable Attendees and Reactions
The event drew significant attention, not just for the royal participation but also for the inclusion of two high-profile knights. Sir Michael Caine, the Oscar-winning actor, and Sir Tony Blair, the former Labour Prime Minister, both received the honour for their contributions to British culture and politics respectively.
Observers noted the rare combination of royal, political and entertainment figures coming together for this ancient Scottish tradition. The ceremony was conducted with full pomp and circumstance, including the wearing of the order's distinctive green robes and insignia.
