Order of the Garter

The Most Noble Order of the Garter is an English order of chivalry with a history stretching back to mediæval times; today it is the world's oldest national order of knighthood in continuous existence and the pinnacle of the British honours system. Its membership is extremely limited, consisting of the Sovereign and not more than twenty-five full members, or Companions. Male members are known as Knights Companions, whilst female members are known as Ladies Companions (not Dames, as in most other British chivalric orders). The Order can also include certain extra members (members of the British Royal Family and foreign monarchs), known as "Supernumerary" Knights and Ladies. The Sovereign alone grants membership of the Order; the Prime Minister does not tender binding advice as to appointments, as he or she does for most other orders.

References

• Ashmole, E. (1672). Institution, Laws and Ceremonies of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
• Begent, P. J. and Chesshyre, H. (1999). The Most Noble Order of the Garter: 650 Years. London: Spink and Son Ltd.
• Brennan, I. G. (2004). "The Most Noble Order of the Garter."
• The Churchill Society. (2004). "The Most Noble Order of the Garter."
• Cox, N. (1999). "The ceremonial dress and accoutrements of the Most Noble Order of the Garter." Heraldry News. (Vol. 22, pp. 6-12 and vol. 23, pp. 7-11).
• "Knighthood and Chivalry." (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica, 11th ed. London: Cambridge University Press.
• "Order of the Garter." (2005). Official Website of the British Monarchy.
• St George's Chapel, Windsor. (2004). Home Page.
• Velde, F. R. (2003). "Order of Precedence in England and Wales.
• Guardian newspaper article on the Marian cult explanation of the Order's name.