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 outranked in precedence only by the decorations of 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
1348
Honi soit qui mal y pense
(Anglo-Norman for 'Shame on him who thinks evil of it')[1]
At the monarch's pleasure
Currently constituted
The Bishop of Winchester (ex officio)
- Royal Knight/Lady (Companion) (KG/LG)
- Stranger Knight/Lady Companion (KG/LG)
- Knight/Lady Companion (KG/LG)
1348
- Edward III: 62
- Richard II: 29
- Henry IV: 27
- Henry V: 21
- Henry VI: 44
- Edward IV: 36
- Edward V: 0
- Richard III: 8
- Henry VII: 37
- Henry VIII: 53
- Edward VI: 13
- Mary I & Philip: 9
- Elizabeth I: 54
- James I: 29
- Charles I: 21
- Charles II: 47
- James II: 7
- Mary II & William III: 14
- Anne: 14
- George I: 21
- George II: 32
- George III: 75
- George IV: 14
- William IV: 14
- Victoria: 132
- Edward VII: 27
- George V: 45
- Edward VIII: 0
- George VI: 31
- Elizabeth II: 110
- Charles III: 6
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.[2] 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.[3] Members of the order wear it on ceremonial occasions.