The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle

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The Order was founded in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland (also known as James II of England) who claimed that he was reviving an earlier Order. James VII issued letters patent "reviving and restoring the Order of the Thistle to its full glory, lustre and magnificency" on 29 May 1687. The Order consists of the Sovereign and sixteen Knights.

The Knights Founders 1687