Additional Orders of Chivalry
In addition to the Orders of Bath, St Michael and St George, Royal Victorian Order and the Order of the British Empire there are four additional Orders of Chivalry in the UK Honours system.
Details of which can be found below.
The Most Noble Order of the Garter
Honi soit qui mal y pense
The Order of the Garter was founded by Edward III of England in 1348 and is the most senior order of knighthood in the British Honours system. Appointment to the Order is at the discretion of the Sovereign, in recognition of their national contribution for public service or for person service to the sovereign.
The Order is limited to 24 living recipients and each year the Order is celebrated with a procession at service within Windsor Castle.
Further information relating to the Order of the Garter can be foundhere
The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle
Nemo me impune lacessit
The current Order of the Thistle was founded by in 1687 by James VII of Scotland revising an earlier Order. Appointment to the Order is at the discretion of the Sovereign alone, and is closely associated with Scotland.
The Order is limited to 16 living recipients and is celebrated with a service at St Giles Kirk in Edinburgh.
Further information relating to the Order of the Thistle can be found here.
The Order of Merit
The Order of Merit was established on the 26th June 1902 by Edward VII to recognise distinguished service in the armed forces, science, art and literature. Admission remains the personal gift of the Sovereign, His Majesty King Charles III and is restricted to 24 living recipients. From its inception the Order has been open to women with Florence Nightingale the first to receive the honour in 1907.
Further information on the Order of Merit can be found via thehere.
The Companions of Honour
The Order of the Companions of Honour founded on 4 June 1917 by King George V as a reward for outstanding achievements.
The insignia of the Order is in the form of an oval medallion, surmounted by a royal crown with a rectangular panel depicting an oak tree, a shield with the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom hanging from one branch and on the left, a mounted knight in armor.
The motto of the Order in action faithful and in honour clear.
For further information on the these and other Orders please contact the Central Chancery via emailinfo@ccok.org.uk