Queen of Scots, Sovereign of the Most Ancient and Noble Order of the Thistle and Chief of Chiefs

In this portrait Queen Elizabeth II is presented as Sovereign of The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of The Thistle, a chivalric order that dates from the seventeenth century. Her Majesty wears the robes of the Order and insignia bearing the emblem of the thistle (the national flower of Scotland) and the cross of Saint Andrew (the patron saint of both the nation and the Order). Evoking the great paintings by Sir Henry Raeburn, the photographer presents the viewer with a formal portrait set against a highland backdrop. The photograph was taken by the Gelder Burn on the Balmoral estate.