Order of the Garter: History and Traditions of the UK's Most Noble Order
The Most Noble Order of the Garter stands as the pinnacle of the British honours system. As a dynastic order awarded at the monarch's pleasure, it represents the oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry in the United Kingdom. Founded in the 14th century, it blends medieval tradition with modern statecraft, serving as a symbol of royal favor and national honor.
The Order is centered around St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, where its members are installed and their banners displayed. From its origins as a brotherhood of knights to its current role as a high honor for royal and distinguished citizens, the Garter continues to be a living piece of British history.
Key Facts
- Founded: Traditionally 1348 by King Edward III.
- Sovereign: King Charles III.
- Membership: Limited to 24 companion knights and ladies, plus supernumerary royal members.
- Precedence: Ranked below the George Cross and above the Order of the Thistle.
- Spiritual Home: St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Origins and Early History
The Order was established by King Edward III during the period he claimed the French throne. While 1348 is the traditionally accepted date of formal proclamation, some historical records, including The Complete Peerage, suggest the order may have been instituted as early as April 23, 1344. It is believed that Edward III was inspired by the Castilian Order of the Band, created around 1330.
The original statutes required that every member already be a knight (known today as a knight bachelor). The founder knights included prominent figures such as Edward the Black Prince and Henry of Grosmont.
Membership and Composition
The Order consists of several classes of members, all of whom use the post-nominal letters KG or LG. These include Royal Knights/Ladies, Stranger Knights/Ladies (foreign monarchs), and Knight/Lady Companions.
Supernumerary Members
To prevent the royal family from occupying all available slots for non-royal companions, King George III introduced "Royal Knights and Ladies of the Garter" in 1786. These are supernumerary members, meaning they do not count toward the 24-member limit. This statute was expanded in 1805 and 1831 to include descendants of King George II and King George I, respectively.
Ladies of the Garter
The Order has evolved to include women in prominent roles. In 2022, Baroness Valerie Amos became the first black Lady Companion in the Order's history. Furthermore, on June 18, 2024, Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller became the first Lady Companion to be appointed as the Chancellor of the Order.
The Insignia and Ceremonial Dress
The regalia of the Order is rich in symbolism and crafted from precious materials. The most prominent items include:
- The Collar: A gold chain weighing 30 troy ounces (0.933 kg), consisting of heraldic knots and enamelled medallions showing a rose encircled by the Garter.
- The Mantle: A blue velvet robe worn during formal ceremonies.
- The Riband: A four-inch wide sash in "kingfisher blue" (standardized in 1950), worn from the left shoulder to the right hip.
- The Garter Star and Great George: A star worn on the breast and a pendant depicting St George slaying the dragon.
Officers and the Military Knights of Windsor
The Order is managed by a group of high-ranking officers. The Chancellor, once held by the Bishop of Salisbury or Oxford, is now appointed from among the Knights and Ladies Companion. Other key officers include the Prelate (the Bishop of Winchester), the Register (the Dean of Windsor), and the Garter Principal King of Arms.
Additionally, the Order is associated with the Military Knights of Windsor. Originally established as 26 "poor knights" (bedesmen) at the Order's founding, they were redesignated in the 19th century by King William IV to remove the term "poor" from their title.
Removal and Restoration of Honors
Membership in the Order is not always permanent. During World War I, several monarchs and princes of enemy nations, including Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, were struck from the roll in 1915. Similarly, the banners of King Victor Emmanuel III and Emperor Hirohito were removed during World War II.
Restorations do occur; for instance, Queen Elizabeth II restored Emperor Hirohito's knighthood in 1971. More recently, in October 2025, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was struck from the roll and his banner removed due to controversies surrounding his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Summary of the Order's Structure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | King Edward III |
| Established | c. 1348 |
| Sovereign | King Charles III |
| Companion Limit | 24 (excluding supernumerary members) |
| Primary Insignia | Blue velvet mantle, gold collar, kingfisher blue riband |
| Key Location | St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current Sovereign of the Order of the Garter?
The current Sovereign is King Charles III.
What is the difference between a Companion and a Supernumerary member?
Companions are limited to a total of 24 members. Supernumerary members, typically members of the royal family, are additional appointments that do not count toward this 24-person limit.
What happens if a member is "struck off the roll"?
When a member is struck off, their appointment is annulled, and their heraldic banner is removed from St George's Chapel.
Who is the first female Chancellor of the Order?
Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller became the first female Chancellor on June 18, 2024.
What is the significance of the "kingfisher blue" color?
The riband (sash) has varied in shade over centuries, but the specific "kingfisher blue" color was officially fixed in 1950.