Collar Days of the British Orders of Knighthood
In the elaborate world of British honors, the collar serves as one of the most prestigious elements of ceremonial dress. These are not ordinary accessories, but large, intricate metal chains worn over the shoulders and hanging equally across the front and back. Often secured with a bow at the shoulders, these collars feature a distinctive pendant attached to the front, symbolizing the rank and history of the order to which the wearer belongs.
However, these magnificent pieces of insignia are not worn daily. Instead, they are reserved for specific occasions known as collar days—designated dates throughout the year when members of certain orders of knighthood are permitted to wear their collars.
Key Facts
- Definition: Collar days are specific dates when ceremonial metal chains (collars) may be worn by eligible members of British orders of knighthood.
- Eligible Members: Includes Knights and Ladies Companion of the Order of the Garter, Knights and Ladies of the Order of the Thistle, and Knights and Dames Grand Cross of other active orders.
- Active Orders: Currently include the Order of the Bath, the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, the Royal Victorian Order, and the Order of the British Empire.
- Inactive Orders: The Order of Saint Patrick, the Order of the Star of India, and the Order of the Indian Empire are currently in abeyance (temporarily inactive).
- Governance: The schedule of collar days is determined by the instructions of the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood.
Who Wears the Collar?
The privilege of wearing a collar is reserved for the highest ranks within the British honors system. This includes the Knights and Ladies Companion of the Order of the Garter and the Order of the Thistle. Additionally, those holding the rank of Knight or Dame Grand Cross in active orders are eligible.
While several orders historically utilized collars, only a few remain active today. The Order of the Bath, the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, the Royal Victorian Order, and the Order of the British Empire continue this tradition. Conversely, the Order of Saint Patrick, the Order of the Star of India, and the Order of the Indian Empire are now in abeyance.
The Calendar of Collar Days
Collar days are divided between fixed calendar dates and variable dates that shift according to the liturgical calendar (such as Easter and Pentecost). The following table outlines the designated days and their current status.
| Date | Occasion | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Variable | Easter Sunday | Current |
| Variable | Easter Monday | Abeyance |
| Variable | Easter Tuesday | Abeyance |
| Variable | Ascension Day | Current |
| Variable | Whit Sunday | Current |
| Variable | Whit Monday | Abeyance |
| Variable | Whit Tuesday | Abeyance |
| Variable | Trinity Sunday | Current |
| 1 January | New Year's Day | Current |
| 6 January | Epiphany | Current |
| 25 January | Conversion of St Paul | Current |
| 2 February | Presentation of Christ in the Temple (Candlemas) | Current |
| 24 February | St Matthias' Day | Current |
| 1 March | St David's Day | Current |
| 17 March | St Patrick's Day | Abeyance |
| 25 March | Lady Day (Annunciation Day) | Current |
| 23 April | St George's Day | Current |
| 25 April | St Mark's Day | Abeyance |
| 1 May | St Philip and St James' Day | Abeyance |
| 6 May | The King's Coronation | Current |
| 29 May | Restoration of the Royal Family | Current |
| 24 June | St John the Baptist's Day | Current |
| 29 June | St Peter's Day | Abeyance |
| 25 July | St James' Day | Abeyance |
| 6 August | Transfiguration Day | Current |
| 24 August | St Bartholomew's Day | Abeyance |
| 8 September | The King's Accession | Current |
| 21 September | St Matthew's Day | Current |
| 29 September | St Michael and All Angels' Day | Current |
| 18 October | St Luke's Day | Abeyance |
| 28 October | St Simon and St Jude's Day | Abeyance |
| 1 November | All Saints' Day | Current |
| 14 November | The King's Birthday | Current |
| 30 November | St Andrew's Day | Current |
| 21 December | St Thomas' Day | Abeyance |
| 25 December | Christmas Day | Current |
| 26 December | St Stephen's Day | Current |
| 28 December | Holy Innocents' Day | Current |
Other Occasions for Wearing Collars
Beyond the fixed calendar of collar days, there are specific state and religious events where these insignia are worn. These include:
- The opening or prorogation of Parliament by the King.
- Religious services specific to the various orders of knighthood.
- The ceremony of introduction of a peer in the House of Lords.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a collar in the context of knighthood?
A collar is a large, elaborate ceremonial metal chain worn over the shoulders, hanging equally over the front and back, often tied with a bow at the shoulders and featuring a distinctive pendant at the front.
Who is permitted to wear these collars?
They are worn by Knights and Ladies Companion of the Order of the Garter, Knights and Ladies of the Order of the Thistle, and Knights and Dames Grand Cross of other active orders.
Which orders are currently active for collar wear?
The currently active orders include the Order of the Bath, the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, the Royal Victorian Order, and the Order of the British Empire.
What does it mean when a collar day is in "abeyance"?
When a day or an order is in abeyance, it means it is temporarily inactive or not currently observed.
Are collars worn only on specific dates?
While they are primarily worn on designated collar days, they are also worn for specific events such as the King opening or proroguing Parliament, certain religious services, and the introduction of a peer in the House of Lords.