Thistle for the Duke of Cambridge

HRH The Duke of Cambridge has been appointed a Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, the highest order in Scotland, in honor of his 30th birthday.  Appointments to the Order are entirely the personal gift of the Duke’s grandmother, the Queen.  In the next few weeks William, who is known as The Earl of Strathearn in Scotland, will be formally welcomed into the order in a ceremony at Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh.  He is now able use the post-nominal letters "KT" to indicate his Knighthood.

The date the Order of the Thistle is founded is unknown for sure, but believed to be in 809 when King Achaius formed an alliance with Emperor Charlemagne.  Current members include TRH the Duke of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and the Duke of Rothesay (Prince Charles’ title in Scotland).  The award is another sign that the Duke, along with his wife the Duchess, are transitioning into roles as full-time working royals.  As he continues to take on an increasing role he will earn more honors both at home and abroad.

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