The Queen’s new portrait has a hidden meaning
Two new royal portraits of Queen Elizabeth II show the 92-year-old monarch looking as regal as ever.
One painting, done by artist Nicky Phillips, was reportedly commissioned by the Royal Collection Trust to display in the Royal Dining Room of her Scottish residence in Edinburgh.
The portrait, which shows Her Majesty wearing drop pearl earrings and a dark green velvet robe, also has a hidden meaning to it.
The Queen is displaying a large white star, the Order of the Thistle emblem.
A spokesperson for the Royal Family confirmed the star features a “silver saltire and central gold medallion”.
The dazzling pendant, which is the mark of the highest order of chivalry in Scotland, also has a motto inscribed in the green border.
It reads: “Nemo me Impune Lacessit,” which translates from Latin to, “No one harms me with impunity”.
The Order of the Thistle is believed to have first evolved under James II (James VII of Scotland) and was an honour rewarding those who supported the monarch’s political and religious goals.
Annually, the Queen holds a special Order of the Thistle service to pay tribute to those who “have held public office or have contributed significantly to national life”.
It is not clear when the painting was completed, however, the Queen did wear the same garment for the Order of the Thistle service in July.
On November 30, a second portrait of the monarch was unveiled.
This painting was done by military artists Stuart Brown and commissioned by the Royal Air Force Regiment to mark its 75th anniversary.
In the painting, the Queen wears her signature pearls and a brooch, which was gifted to her by the RAF Regiment.