Order of the Garter

Order of the Garter
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Name	Order of the Garter
Caption	The star of the order
Awarded by	The Monarch of the United Kingdom
Type	Order of chivalry
Motto	(Honi soit qui mal y pense), "Shame on him who thinks evil of it"
Day	23 April
Status	Currently constituted
Founder	Edward III of England
Sovereign	Charles III
Grades	Knight Companion (KG), Lady Companion (LG)
Date	1348
House	Windsor Castle
Chapel	St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle

Order of the Garter. It is the oldest and most senior Order of chivalry in the United Kingdom, founded in 1348 by Edward III of England. The order is dedicated to the image and arms of Saint George, England's patron saint. Membership is a personal gift of the reigning Monarch of the United Kingdom and is limited to the sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and no more than 24 living companions.

History

The foundation is traditionally linked to an incident where the Countess of Salisbury's garter slipped at a court ball, with Edward III of England chivalrously retrieving it. The order's establishment was deeply entwined with the king's political ambitions during the Hundred Years' War, aiming to bind his leading nobles and commanders in a chivalric brotherhood. Early members included his son, Edward, the Black Prince, and other martial luminaries like Henry of Grosmont. Throughout its history, it has been closely associated with the English, later British, monarchy, with its statutes revised by monarchs including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. The order's continuity was interrupted during the English Civil War but restored following the Stuart Restoration under Charles II of England.

Membership and composition

The order comprises the sovereign, the Prince of Wales as Royal Knight, and 24 Knight Companions, with supernumerary members including descendants of George I of Great Britain and foreign monarchs. Appointments are the sole prerogative of the monarch, traditionally announced on St George's Day. Historically dominated by the high aristocracy and military heroes, the 20th century saw the inclusion of prime ministers like Winston Churchill and distinguished public servants such as Sir John Major. Ladies were admitted as full members in 1987 by Elizabeth II, with former prime minister Margaret Thatcher among the first appointed. The order's officers include the Bishop of Winchester as Prelate and the Dean of Windsor as Dean.

Insignia and robes

The principal insignia is the Garter, a dark blue velvet strap bearing the order's motto in gold letters, worn on the left calf by knights and on the left arm by ladies. The elaborate collar is made of alternating gold knots and enamelled red roses encircling a badge depicting Saint George slaying the dragon. For formal ceremonies, members wear a majestic velvet mantle, a surcoat, and a plumed hat. The star, worn on the left breast, is an eight-pointed silver badge featuring the cross of Saint George encircled by the garter and motto. On lesser occasions, a simpler broad blue riband is worn across the chest from the left shoulder to the right hip.

Ceremonial and traditions

The primary ceremony is the annual Garter Day procession and service in June at Windsor Castle. Members, wearing full regalia, process on foot through the castle grounds to a service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. A central tradition is the installation of new knights, where they are assigned a stall in the chapel. The order's motto, "Honi soit qui mal y pense", is prominently displayed and recited. The ceremonial also includes the vibrant gathering of the Household Cavalry and the Yeomen of the Guard, creating a historic spectacle that draws crowds to the precincts of Windsor Castle.

Chapel and heraldry

Since its foundation, the order's spiritual home has been St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture completed during the reign of Henry VII of England. Each member is allotted a stall above which their heraldic banner, helm, crest, and sword are displayed. Upon a member's death, these insignia are taken down, but the stall plate, a small engraved brass plaque, remains affixed permanently, creating a unique heraldic record. The chapel also houses the tombs of several monarchs, including Henry VIII and Charles I of England, and serves as the venue for royal weddings such as that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Notable members

Historical knights include martial figures like John of Gaunt and Thomas Beaufort, and sovereigns such as Henry IV of England and Henry V of England. Renowned foreign monarchs elected as Stranger Knights include Alexander I of Russia and Hirohito. In the modern era, members have included prime ministers like Sir Anthony Eden and military leaders such as Field Marshal Lord Slim. Distinguished non-political figures have included Sir Edmund Hillary and Lucian Freud. Current royal members, besides the sovereign, include Anne, Princess Royal, and Prince William, Prince of Wales.

Category:Orders of chivalry of the United Kingdom Category:1348 establishments in England Category:Windsor Castle