Order of the Garter
The Most Noble Order of the Garter is an order of chivalry founded by Edward III of England in 1348. The most senior order of knighthood in the British honours system, it is decoration outranked in precedence only by the Victoria Cross and the George Cross. The Order of the Garter is dedicated to the image and arms of Saint George, England's patron saint.
| Most Noble Order of the Garter | |
|---|---|
| Awarded by the Monarch of the United Kingdom | |
| Type | Dynastic order |
| Established | 1348 |
| Motto | Honi soit qui mal y pense (Anglo-Norman for 'Shame on him who thinks evil of it') |
| Criteria | at His Majesty's pleasure |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Founder | Edward III |
| Sovereign | Charles III |
| Chancellor | The Duke of Abercorn |
| Prelate | The Bishop of Winchester (ex officio) |
| Classes |
|
| Statistics | |
| First induction | 1348 |
| Total inductees |
|
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | George Cross |
| Next (lower) | Order of the Thistle |
Ribbon of the Order of the Garter | |
Appointments are at the Sovereign's sole discretion, typically made in recognition of national contribution, service to the Crown, or for distinguished personal service to the Monarch. Membership of the order is limited to the sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and no more than 24 living members, or Companions. The order also includes Supernumerary Knights and Ladies (e.g., members of the British royal family and foreign monarchs).
The order's emblem is a garter circlet with the motto Honi soit qui mal y pense (Anglo-Norman for 'Shame on him who thinks evil of it') in gold script. Members of the order wear it on ceremonial occasions.