The King appoints Professor Jim McDonald and Sir James MacMillan as members of the Order of the Thistle, according to reports. The announcements recognise the pair’s contributions in their respective fields: McDonald is described as a professor and engineer, while MacMillan is a composer. Both outlets report that the appointments are part of the Order of the Thistle, an order of chivalry associated with Scotland. The information presented focuses on the fact of the honours and identifies the recipients, without detailing the specific reasons beyond their professional roles. The coverage indicates that the King is making formal appointments to the order, adding the two figures to its membership. No further figures, dates, or additional members are mentioned in the provided excerpts. Overall, the reports align on who receives the honours and that the King makes the appointments to the Order of the Thistle.