The Queen attends Order of the Thistle service in Edinburgh

Описание: The Queen attends Order of the Thistle service in Edinburgh

The Queen, Prince Philip, Princess Anne and Prince William all attend the annual Order of the Thistle service.

The Queen and senior royals arrive at St Giles' Cathedral for Order of the Thistle service for her most senior Scottish knights and ladies

Draped in ceremonial robes, the Queen and Prince Philip led senior members of the Royal Family as they arrived for the Order of the Thistle service today.

The royal couple were joined by Princess Anne, Prince William and the Knights and Ladies of the Order for the service of thanksgiving at St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh.

Hundreds of well-wishers lined the Royal Mile to catch a glimpse of the party as they entered the cathedral to a trumpet fanfare. After the ceremony, the Queen was greeted by the Royal Company of Archers - her official bodyguards in Scotland - and musicians from the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The Order of the Thistle recognises men and women who have held public office or who have contributed in a significant way to Scottish life. It is the highest honour in Scotland and the second highest in the UK, preceded only by the Order of the Garter.

Steeped in ancient traditions, the proceedings started in the Signet Library in the centre of Edinburgh.

Each member of the party was dressed in their striking green velvet robes, glistening insignia and white-plumed hats. Her Majesty's long mantle was so cumbersome that a page boy, dressed in traditional green garments, was enlisted to help hold it up at times.

The senior royals, who are all members of the order, then took part in a grand procession into the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle, where The Queen installs any new Knights in a private service.