Order of the Garter

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The Order of the Garter is the most senior and the oldest British order of chivalry, founded by King Edward III in 1348. It is considered one of the most prestigious honors in the United Kingdom and is dedicated to the image and arms of Saint George, England's patron saint.

History

The Order of the Garter was established by King Edward III in 1348, inspired by the legendary King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The order was founded to honor those who had shown exceptional service to the kingdom, particularly in military matters. The order's emblem, a garter, is said to have originated from a story involving the "Countess of Salisbury" and a garter that fell to the floor during a dance, which King Edward picked up and returned to her, uttering the phrase "Honi soit qui mal y pense" ("Shame on him who thinks evil of it").

Structure

The Order of the Garter consists of the Monarch of the United Kingdom, who serves as the Sovereign of the Order, and a maximum of 24 Knights or Ladies Companion. Membership is granted at the discretion of the monarch and is often bestowed upon members of the royal family, foreign monarchs, and other distinguished individuals.

Officers

The order has several officers, including:

• The Prelate
• The Chancellor
• The Garter Principal King of Arms
• The Registrar
• The Usher

Insignia

Members of the Order of the Garter wear distinctive regalia, including a dark blue velvet mantle, a hat with a plume of white ostrich and black heron feathers, and the garter itself, which is worn on ceremonial occasions. The garter is a dark blue ribbon with the order's motto in gold.

Ceremony

The annual Garter Day service is held at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, where new members are installed. The ceremony is a grand affair, attended by the monarch and other members of the order, and includes a procession and a service.

Also see

• Order of the Thistle
• Order of the Bath
• Order of St Michael and St George
• Order of the British Empire
• Chivalric orders