Order of the Companions of Honour

Order of the Companions of Honour. It is a prestigious Commonwealth order of chivalry founded by George V in 1917, during the tumult of the First World War. The order is conferred for outstanding achievements in the arts, sciences, medicine, and public service, with membership limited to just 65 living individuals at any time. Its singular class of Companion carries the post-nominal letters CH and is often considered a more exclusive alternative to a knighthood within the British honours system.

History and establishment

King George V established the order by royal warrant on 4 June 1917, amidst the profound societal changes wrought by the First World War. Its creation was partly intended to recognise services of national importance by individuals from across the British Empire, including those who might not accept traditional knighthoods. The inaugural list of appointees in 1917 included military figures like Earl Haig, statesmen such as former Prime Minister H. H. Asquith, and eminent scientists like Joseph John Thomson. The order's foundation coincided with a broader reform of honours, which also saw the creation of the Order of the British Empire. Initially, it was intended that membership would not exceed 50, but this was later increased to 65 by the statutes of 1943.

Membership and composition

Membership is restricted to a maximum of 65 living Companions from across the Commonwealth realms, with no distinctions of rank or title within the order itself. Appointments are made by the reigning sovereign, typically on the advice of the Prime Minister, though some Commonwealth realms have their own advisory committees. The order is unique in that it carries no titular prefix such as 'Sir' or 'Dame', focusing purely on the distinction of the honour. Notable quotas exist, allowing for up to 45 members from the United Kingdom, seven from Australia, two from New Zealand, and eleven from other Commonwealth countries. Appointments are announced on significant occasions, such as the New Year Honours or the Birthday Honours.

Insignia and design

The insignia consists of an oval-shaped badge, featuring an oak tree with a shield bearing the Royal Arms hanging from one branch. On the left is a mounted knight in armour, with the order's motto, "In Action Faithful and in Honour Clear", inscribed on a blue enameled ring around the edge. The reverse is plain, engraved with the recipient's name and date of appointment. The badge is worn by men on a ribbon (salmon pink with gold edges) around the neck, and by women on a bow at the left shoulder. The design, created by Sir Oswald Birley, is rich in symbolism, with the oak tree representing strength and the knight embodying chivalric virtue.

Notable Companions

The order has been awarded to many of the most influential figures of the 20th and 21st centuries. Pioneering scientists include Stephen Hawking, Tim Berners-Lee, and David Attenborough. In the arts, renowned Companions have included writers T. S. Eliot, Philip Pullman, and J. K. Rowling, composers Benjamin Britten and Andrew Lloyd Webber, and actors Maggie Smith and Ian McKellen. Political and public service figures span from wartime leader Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee to humanitarian Bob Geldof and judge Baroness Hale. International figures such as Mother Teresa and Nelson Mandela have also been honoured.

Precedence and privileges

Within the British honours system, Companions rank immediately after Knights and Dames Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE). The order does not confer a place in the order of precedence by itself, though individual members may have precedence due to other ranks or titles. Companions are entitled to use the post-nominal letters "CH". While the order carries no specific legal privileges, recipients are often invited to major national events, such as the State Opening of Parliament or ceremonies at Westminster Abbey. The order's chapel is located in the Queen's Chapel of the Savoy in London.

Category:Orders of chivalry awarded to women Category:Commonwealth orders, decorations, and medals Category:1917 establishments in the United Kingdom