Royal Ceremonial

A fun day in Edinburgh.

In the morning we attended the Ceremonial of the Installation of two new Knights of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle at St Giles Cathedral.

We had a good view of the procession with its Pursuivants, Heralds Extraordinary, Lord Lyons, Dean, Secretary and Chancellor and all the existing Knights of the Thistle. the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince William and Princess Anne. The order goes back to 1687 and it is a big deal.

All the ceremonial finery was out - stiff red and gold jackets, archers with their bows though they are denied any arrows, soft floppy hats with glorious feathers, intricate insignia hanging on velvet cloaks and medals proudly worn in puffed out chests. It was quite a sight calling upon the suspension of any cynicism.

We were joined by the new head boy and girl and their deputes of Peebles High School. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience (as can be seen). These threads of history is what makes their country what it is.