St Giles' Cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is the 900-year-old main church of the Church of Scotland and one of the most important sights in the city of Edinburgh in Scotland. It is located not far from Edinburgh Castle. Approaching from the front, the first thing you notice is the church tower in the shape of a crown. Today, this is a landmark on Edinburgh's skyline.

Fascinating stained glass windows conjure up a play of light when the sun shines. I was impressed by the blue of the ceiling. Madness.

The church is dedicated to St Aegidius, his deed and his later work in the 8th century AD made him one of the 14 saints of helpers who were often invoked for help in the Middle Ages. Its name in English is St Giles.

St Giles' Cathedral includes the Thistle Chapel of the Order of the Thistle. The neo-Gothic choir stalls have a seat crowned with the coat of arms of each of the 16 regular knights of the order. There are also royal members.

Unlike most honours awarded by the British Crown, the monarch is not bound by government proposals when appointing members of the Order of the Thistle, but is free to decide at his own discretion, which is why admission to the Order is seen as a personal gift from the monarch. With the exception of the Norwegian king, no foreigners are admitted (he is, because he regularly visited the royal family on his yacht in Balmoral a long time ago). And only women since 1987!

By the way. After Balmoral, Her Majesty The Queen's coffin was first taken to the Palace of Holyroddhouse, the official palace of Their Majesties when in Scotland, and then in a procession from there to St Giles' Cathedral, where she lay in state for 24 hours - including a Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Her Majesty The Queen.
Kisses 😘