--Previous Message-- : For SOPs I really like to see the QV necklace : and earrings. Both pieces I view akin to : official uniform. : : Elsewhere it was noted that Philip and : Charles are wearing Garter regalia with the : Thistle sash. : As far as I am aware, there is no rule : broken by doing that. : I think it is a diplomatic gesture towards : Scotland. : : Thoughts anyone? : : :
My thoughts exactly, Nellie . I also thought, that the Thistle was a gesture towards Scotland. But then I realized, that the Thistle is worn on a nearly regular basis for the SOP.
In 2014 - The Duke of Edinburgh wore the sash of the Garter, The Prince of Wales the Thistle, both Gentlemen wore the respective breast star and the one of the other one - I don't know the chain, The Duke is wearing (with a white Maltese Cross).
- In 2013 - both Gentlemen wore the sash of the Thistle, the order chains of the Garter, the breast stars of the Thistle & the Garter and both Princes the Maltese Cross of this (to me) unknown order).
- In 2012, The Duke wore the sash of the Thistle, the chain of the Garter, the 'unknown' order and breast stars of both orders, Thistle & Garter. The Prince of Wales was absent.
- In 2011, no State Opening of Parliament
- In 2010, The Duke of Edinburgh wore the sash of the Thistle (same way as already mentioned), The Prince of Wales did not attend.
- In 2009, The Duke of Edinburgh wore the sash of the Thistle, The Prince of Wales did not attend.
- In 2008, 2007, 2006...and at least back to 1998, Prince Philip always wore the sash of the Thistle, the chain of the Garter, the breast stars of both orders.
So, one could say, that usually the sash of the Order of the Thistle is worn for SOP... I never really noticed that and if someone had asked me before, I'd say "The Garter, of course!". My focus was always on the ladies' jewels .
Since I'm truly not very familiar with orders, I'd be very grateful if someone could explain me the 'other' orders worn by the Princes, a big thanks in advance:
- The chain with the white Maltese Cross (I guess, the white Maltese Cross of The Prince of Wales is a lower rank of his father's cross on the chain...) - The ribband around the neck with the red/blue cross (The Prince of Wales wears this cross pinned on his chest, also a lower rank?)
on May 28, 2015, 1:57 am, in reply to "
. I also thought, that the Thistle was a gesture towards Scotland. But then I realized, that the Thistle is worn on a nearly regular basis for the SOP. 
