The traditional year of foundation is usually given as 1348 (when it was formally proclaimed). King Edward III founded the Order of the Garter around the time of his claim to the French throne. History 'Roy' Edward III, King of England. Members of the order wear it on ceremonial occasions. The order's emblem is a garter circlet with the motto Honi soit qui mal y pense ( Anglo-Norman for 'Shame on him who thinks evil of it') in gold script. The order also includes Supernumerary Knights and Ladies (e.g., members of the British royal family and foreign monarchs). Membership of the order is limited to the sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and no more than 24 living members, or Companions. The Order of the Garter is dedicated to the image and arms of Saint George, England's patron saint.Īppointments are at the Sovereign's sole discretion, typically made in recognition of national contribution, service to the Crown, or for distinguished personal service to the Monarch. The most senior order of knighthood in the British honours system, it is decoration outranked in precedence only by the Victoria Cross and the George Cross.

The Most Noble Order of the Garter is an order of chivalry founded by Edward III of England in 1348. 1430 by William Bruges, first Garter King of Arms Illuminated miniature from the Bruges Garter Book c. 1361), the second appointee of the Order, shown wearing a tabard displaying the royal arms of England over which is his blue mantle or garter robe.

Badge of the Order embroidered onto the left shoulder of a Knight's blue velvet mantle Henry of Grosmont, Earl (later Duke) of Lancaster (d.

Usher pins for church