The Order of the Garter is the highest and oldest order of chivalry in England. It was founded by King Edward III in 1348 and is currently the senior British order of chivalry. The Order consists of the Sovereign, the Great Master, and twenty-four knights companions. It is bestowed to individuals who have given exceptional service to the Crown or to the nation. The members of the Order are entitled to wear a uniform, an insignia, known as a “Garter”, which features a blue velvet ribbon with Tudor roses and a buckle inscribed with the words “Honi soit qui mal y pense” (evil be he who thinks evil). The motto of the Order is “Shame be to him who thinks evil of it”.
The Order of the Garter is the highest order of chivalry and the oldest British order of knighthood. It is an exclusive fellowship of the Monarch and 24 Knights Companions, dedicated to upholding the ideals of chivalry and service. Founded in 1348 by King Edward III, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious orders in Europe. Its members are drawn from both the peerage and from other distinguished figures in British society. The Order’s motto is “Honi soit qui mal y pense” which translates to “Shame on him who thinks evil of it”. The insignia of the Order includes a garter belt bearing its motto, as well as a badge featuring St George slaying a dragon – symbolic of courage in battle. Members wear robes at special ceremonies, such as those held at Windsor Castle each June on St George’s Day, when new members are installed.
The Order of the Garter
The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry in England. It was founded by Edward III in 1348 and is still in existence today. The order consists of the King or Queen, the Prince of Wales, 24 Knights Companion, and a number of additional members known as Supernumerary Knights and Ladies. The motto of the order is Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense, which means “evil be to him who thinks evil”.
Who Can Join?
The Order of the Garter is open to people from all walks of life. Members must be British subjects aged 18 or over, with no criminal record. Potential candidates must have contributed significantly to public service, either through political, academic or charitable engagements. Foreigners may also be invited to join as Honorary Members; however they do not receive any privileges or honours associated with being a member of the Order.
In addition to these criteria, there are certain other requirements that need to be met before someone can become a member. These include being recommended by at least two other members, having their application approved by Her Majesty The Queen and a majority vote from existing members at a formal chapter meeting.
Once accepted into the order, Knights Companions receive a mantle (a robe-like garment), a banner, an insignia (a badge showing their rank in the order) and are entitled to use post-nominal letters (KG for Knights Grand Cross and GCVO for Royal Victorian Order). They also have access to special privileges such as entry into St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle and preferential seating at State occasions.
In conclusion, anyone can apply to join the Order of the Garter provided they meet certain criteria such as age requirements, having no criminal record and contributing significantly to public service. However it should be noted that acceptance into this exclusive organisation is not guaranteed and ultimately depends on approval from Her Majesty The Queen.
History of the Order of the Garter
The Order of the Garter is one of the most prestigious honors in England. It was founded by King Edward III in 1348 and remains to this day one of the oldest and most influential orders of chivalry. The Order is composed of the Sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and 24 knights – known as Companions – who are chosen for their service and devotion.
The origins of the Order remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, though it is widely believed that Edward III created it after a famous incident involving a garter at a court ball. According to legend, when a lady dropped her garter during a dance, Edward gallantly picked it up and tied it around his own leg, saying “Honi soit qui mal y pense” (“Shame on him who thinks evil of it”). This phrase became the motto for the Order and still appears on its emblem today.
Membership in the Order is highly sought after and has been a mark of distinction throughout its history. It has included many prominent figures from English history, including King Henry V, Winston Churchill, Lord Nelson, Lord Baden-Powell and numerous other politicians, military leaders, artists and writers.
In addition to its historical significance, the Order also carries considerable economic importance. Members are entitled to certain privileges such as tax exemptions and access to special funds managed by The Crown Estate. Furthermore, they are eligible for certain titles such as Baronet or Knight Bachelor which can be inherited by their children.
The Order also has several symbols associated with it which further reinforce its prestige: its emblem is a blue garter with its motto inscribed upon it; its banner is emblazoned with St George slaying a dragon; and its motto “Honi soit qui mal y pense” continues to be used as an expression of loyalty to England and her people.
In summary, The Order of the Garter remains one of England’s most revered honors today due to its storied history and remarkable symbolism. Its members have included some of England’s most influential figures throughout history while also providing members with certain economic benefits such as tax exemptions and access to special funds managed by The Crown Estate. Therefore, several symbols associated with the order serve to further reinforce its prestige – making membership in The Order an honor unparalleled among others in England’s history.
Symbols and Insignia Associated with the Order of the Garter
The Order of the Garter is one of the most prestigious and well-respected orders in all of Britain. It is said to be founded by King Edward III in 1348, and those who are members of this order have a certain set of symbols and insignia that they must abide by. These symbols and insignia identify a member of the order, as well as signify their loyalty to their country. Below are some examples of these symbols and insignia:
- The Garter: This is the most iconic symbol associated with the Order of the Garter. The garter is a blue velvet ribbon with a buckle at one end, that features the motto “Honi Soit Qui Mal y Pense” (“Evil be to him who evil thinks”).
- The Star: Another symbol associated with this order is a star-shaped badge which has eight points, each featuring a heraldic rose. This star-shaped badge has been used since around 1350.
- The Mantle: This garment was first adopted in 1615 as part of an official uniform for members. It is made from blue velvet lined with white taffeta, and has several features such as an ermine capelet, gold embroidery around the edges and a gold cord that ties at the neck.
- The Collar: This collar is made up of alternating knots and knots linked together by gold links, all featuring red roses. This collar was first created in 1430.
These symbols and insignia are important for members to wear when representing themselves or their country in public or on special occasions. They also serve as a reminder to those who view them that they are part of an exclusive group that upholds values such as honour, loyalty, courage and integrity.
Current Members of the Order of the Garter
The Order of the Garter is one of the most elite and exclusive orders in Britain. Established in 1348 by King Edward III, it has become the highest order of chivalry and is an important part of the British Royal Family’s history. The current members are:
• Queen Elizabeth II – The Queen is the sovereign head of the Most Noble Order of Garter and is a member by virtue of her position.
• The Prince of Wales – The Prince is a member by virtue of his position as heir to the Throne.
• The Duke and Duchesses of Cambridge, Sussex, Gloucester, Kent, Cornwall, Rothesay – All are members by virtue of their positions as senior members of the Royal Family.
• Sir Timothy Laurence – A retired naval officer who was appointed to the Order in 2008 for his service to Queen Elizabeth II and her family.
• Lady Sarah Chatto – Appointed in 2008 for her service to both the Royal Family and charity organisations.
• Princess Alexandra – Appointed in 1963 for her service to both public and charitable causes.
• Prince Michael of Kent – Appointed in 1985 for his service to both public and charitable causes.
• Lord Carrington – Appointed in 1975 for his distinguished service as foreign secretary during World War II.
• Lord Sainsbury – Appointed in 2001 for his services to business, science, education and charity organisations.
Past Members of the Order of the Garter
The Order of the Garter is one of the most prestigious and oldest orders of chivalry in Europe, with members dating all the way back to 1348. Since then, many notable individuals have been inducted into this order, including monarchs, politicians, and military officers. Here are some of the most famous past members of the order:
• King Edward III: This English monarch was responsible for founding the order in 1348. He was also a successful military leader during his lifetime, leading England to victories in several wars against France.
• Queen Elizabeth II: The current British monarch is one of the few female members to ever be awarded the order. She has been its Sovereign since 1952.
• Winston Churchill: This British Prime Minister was a member of the Order during World War II and was awarded for his leadership and courage during that time.
• Charles de Gaulle: This French general and statesman was inducted into the order in 1945 for his role in liberating France from Nazi occupation.
• Dwight D. Eisenhower: The former US President was inducted into the order in 1945 for his leadership during World War II, when he commanded Allied forces in Europe against Nazi Germany.
• George H.W Bush: The 41st President of United States joined this prestigious order after playing a major role in ending the Cold War peacefully between East and West Germany during his term as president from 1989-1993.
These are just some of many illustrious past members of this esteemed order that have contributed to making it one of Europe’s oldest and most respected organizations today.
The Investiture Ceremony for New Members
The Investiture Ceremony is a significant event for all new members of an organization. It marks the official induction of the members, and with it comes a sense of pride and belonging to the group. During this ceremony, members are presented with a range of awards and recognition that signify their membership in the organization. The ceremony typically involves formal speeches from esteemed members, special awards and gifts, as well as the presentation of membership certificates.
The process of investing new members is one that should be taken seriously. It is important to ensure that all new members are given the respect and recognition they deserve. This can be done by creating an atmosphere that is both welcoming and celebratory. Additionally, it is important to make sure that everyone present at the ceremony feels included in the proceedings. This may include inviting family and friends of new members to attend or providing special recognition to first-time attendees.
In order to make this ceremony truly special, there are several steps that should be taken by organizers prior to the event. First, organizers should plan out how many people will be attending and what type of awards will be presented during the ceremony. Additionally, they should determine what type of music will be played at the event and if any additional decorations or refreshments are necessary. Therefore, organizers should create an agenda for the event so all participants know what to expect throughout the day.
On the day of the ceremony itself, organizers should ensure that everything runs smoothly from start to finish. This includes organizing seating arrangements for guests, setting up microphones for speakers and ensuring that everyone in attendance has a program detailing what will happen throughout the day. Additionally, it is important to make sure that any awards or gifts are ready to go before guests arrive.
At its core, The Investiture Ceremony marks a very special moment in time for all new members – one which they will remember fondly for years to come.
The St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle
The St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle is an iconic monument and a popular tourist attraction. Located within the walls of the world-famous Windsor Castle, it is the burial place of many British monarchs, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in British history.
The chapel itself is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, with its impressive vaulted ceiling and intricate stained glass windows. It features some stunning works of art, including the tombstones of Henry VIII and his Queen Elizabeth I. The chapel also houses several memorials to notable figures from history, such as Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington.
Inside the chapel are some fascinating relics from British history, such as Queen Victoria’s coronation chair and a copy of Magna Carta. There are also numerous royal tombs to explore, including those of Edward IV and Henry VII.
The chapel has been used for many royal events over the years, including coronations, weddings and funerals. It was even used as the venue for Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018. The castle has also hosted some important state occasions, such as Queen Elizabeth II’s 80th birthday celebration in 2006.
Visitors to the castle can take a guided tour around the chapel or explore independently if they wish. There are regular services held at the chapel throughout the year, so visitors can experience its unique atmosphere first-hand.
The St George’s Chapel is an impressive testament to British history and heritage that will appeal to anyone with an interest in royalty and state occasions. Its spectacular architecture makes it one of Windsor Castle’s most impressive attractions – a must-see for any visitor to this historic site!
Final Words On Order Of The Garter List
The Order of the Garter is an exclusive group of individuals who have been recognized for their service to the nation. It is a unique honor that is bestowed upon a select few who have made an outstanding contribution to the United Kingdom. The list of members includes some of the most influential figures in British history, including former prime ministers, royals, and military personnel.
For centuries, the Order has existed as an exclusive club that celebrates chivalry and loyalty to the Crown. Its members are held in high esteem and can be found wearing their distinctive blue garter sash at important events. Although membership is highly sought after, it is not easy to obtain. Those who are chosen must display a commitment to public service and demonstrate exemplary character.
The Order of the Garter is an impressive collection of distinguished figures from all walks of life that serve as an example for current and future generations. Their contributions are recognized by their inclusion on this prestigious list and will continue to be celebrated for many years to come.