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Order of Garter
Order of Thistle
Order of Merit
Companions of Honour

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 found here

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 the here.

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.

Chapel of the Order

The Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace was recently associated with the Order and they welcome Members to request the use of the Chapel for the following opportunities:

Weddings:

Marriage ceremonies are offered to Companions of the Order and their children and grandchildren only. Step-children may also be married, as long as their parent is married to the Companion.

Baptisms:

Baptism ceremonies are offered to Companions of the Order and their children only. Step-children may also be married, as long as their parent is married to the Companion.

Memorials:

Memorial Services are offered to all Companions of the Order.

For further information on the these and other Orders please contact the Central Chancery via email info@ccok.org.uk

Related Content

The Most Honourable Order of the Bath

The Most Hourable Order of the Bath

The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George

The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George

The Royal Victorian Order

Information on the Royal Victorian Order

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

For further information on the Monarchy please go to www.royal.uk