Order of the Garter

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Order of chivalry in England

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The Order of the Garter is an order of chivalry founded by Edward III of England in 1348. It is the most senior order of knighthood in the British honours system, outranked only by the Victoria Cross and the George Cross. The order's emblem is a garter with the motto Honi soit qui mal y pense (Middle French: "Shame on him who thinks evil of it").

History

The Order of the Garter was established in 1348 by Edward III of England as a revival of the Round Table and the Arthurian legend. The order was inspired by the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The original members included Edward III himself and 25 knights.

Membership

Membership in the Order of the Garter is limited to the Monarch of the United Kingdom, the Prince of Wales, and 24 Knights and Ladies Companion. The order also includes supernumerary members, such as foreign monarchs and other distinguished individuals. New appointments are announced on St George's Day (23 April).

Insignia

The insignia of the Order of the Garter includes the garter itself, which is worn on ceremonial occasions. The garter is a dark blue ribbon edged with gold, bearing the order's motto. Members also wear a star, a collar, and a badge.

Ceremonies

The principal ceremony of the Order of the Garter is the annual Garter Day service, held at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. During this service, new members are invested with the insignia of the order. The ceremony is followed by a procession of the knights and ladies in their ceremonial robes.

Related Pages

• Edward III of England
• Order of chivalry
• British honours system
• St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle
• Knights of the Round Table
• Arthurian legend
• Victoria Cross
• George Cross
• St George's Day