The
Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is an
order of chivalry associated with
Scotland. The current version of the Order was founded in 1687 by King
James VII of Scotland (James II of England and Ireland) who asserted that he was reviving an earlier Order. The Order consists of the Sovereign and sixteen Knights and Ladies, as well as certain "extra" knights (members of the
British Royal Family and foreign monarchs). The Sovereign alone grants membership of the Order; he or she is not advised by the Government, as occurs with most other Orders.