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.

See also

• List of Knights and Ladies Companions and Supernumerary Knights and Ladies of the Garter (1348–present)
• List of Ladies of the Garter (1358–1488)
• Order of the Thistle
• Order of the Bath
• Order of St Michael and St George
• Royal Victorian Order
• Order of the British Empire
• UK topics
• List of people who have declined a British honour