The Order of the Thistle is Scotland's great order of chivalry, and membership is one of the country's highest honours. The order is traditionally given to Scots or people of Scots family, usually who have given distinguished service to Scotland.
Appointments are entirely the personal gift of the sovereign.
The Thistle Chapel was designed by Robert Lorimer and finished in 1911. It contains stalls for the 16 knights, a sovereign's stall and two royal stalls. The chapel contains a wealth of detail, both religious and heraldic, and much of it peculiarly Scottish. There are even angels who play the bagpipes. His Royal Highness, The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay.