Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George

Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George
Name	Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George
Caption	The insignia of a Companion (Civil Division)
Awarded by	The Monarch of the United Kingdom
Type	Order of chivalry
Eligibility	See text
For	Extraordinary or important non-military service in a foreign country
Status	Currently constituted
Founder	George IV
Grades	Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GCMG), Knight/Dame Commander (KCMG/DCMG), Companion (CMG)
Date	28 April 1818
Higher	Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO)
Same	Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
Lower	Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO)

Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George is the third and most populous rank within the Order of St Michael and St George, a British order of chivalry. It is awarded for extraordinary or important non-military service in a foreign country, often in the fields of diplomacy, international relations, or overseas development. The honour, typically styled with the post-nominal letters CMG, is conferred by the reigning Monarch of the United Kingdom on the advice of the Foreign Secretary.

History

The Order of St Michael and St George was founded on 28 April 1818 by the Prince Regent, later King George IV, initially to honour natives of the Ionian Islands and Malta for service to the British Empire. The order's structure, including the rank of Companion, was formally established by statute during the reign of King William IV. Its purpose evolved throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, becoming closely associated with the Foreign Office and the diplomatic corps, as well as senior officials in the Colonial Office and later the Commonwealth of Nations. The rank of Companion has been a consistent feature, recognising a broad spectrum of service across the globe, from the administration of India to postings in remote consulates.

Eligibility and Criteria

Appointment as a Companion is made for "extraordinary or important non-military service in a foreign country." This typically encompasses senior members of the Diplomatic Service, high-ranking officers in the British Council, and officials within the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Eligibility also extends to British nationals and citizens of Commonwealth realms who have rendered significant service in international organisations, global commerce, or charitable work abroad that benefits British interests or global welfare. Recommendations are processed through the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood and approved by the Sovereign.

Ranks and Insignia

The Companion rank sits below Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GCMG) and Knight/Dame Commander (KCMG/DCMG). Its insignia consists of a silver-gilt Maltese cross, enameled in white, with a blue medallion depicting Saint Michael and Saint George at the centre. The reverse bears a similar medallion with the royal cypher of the founding monarch. For men, the badge is worn suspended from a ribbon of Saxon blue, with a scarlet central stripe, around the neck. Female Companions wear their badge on a bow of the same ribbon on the left shoulder. The star is not awarded with this rank.

Recipients

Notable historical Companions include the explorer and colonial administrator Sir Harry Johnston, the archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, and the diplomat Sir Nicholas Henderson. In modern times, recipients have included senior ambassadors like Sir Peter Westmacott, intelligence officials such as former MI6 chief Sir John Sawers, and influential figures in international development. The honour is also occasionally awarded to foreign nationals, such as the French resistance leader Jean Moulin (awarded posthumously) and the former Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Fraser.

Ceremonial and Protocol

New Companions are invested at an official ceremony, usually held at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle and presided over by the Monarch or another senior member of the British royal family, such as The Prince of Wales. The ceremony involves the bestowal of the insignia. Companions are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "CMG" and may have their insignia depicted on their coat of arms. They are also invited to special services for the order, most notably the quadrennial service at St Paul's Cathedral.

Organisation and Governance

The order is governed by the British monarch as its Sovereign. The senior officer is the Grand Master, a position held by The Duke of Kent since 1967. Administrative functions are managed by the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, located at St James's Palace. The order's chapel is in St Paul's Cathedral, though historically it was located in the Palace of St Michael and St George in Corfu.

Category:Order of St Michael and St George Category:Awards and honours of the United Kingdom