1687 - Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, the current version of the Order, was founded by King James VII of Scotland, II of England. He 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. The Order's primary emblem is the thistle, the national flower of Scotland. The motto is 'Nemo me impune lacessit' 'No one provokes me with impunity'. The Order of the Thistle is the second most senior in precedence.