Other Chivalric Orders

Other Orders of Chivalry

The British honours system has grown from its fourteenth century origins. Today there are ten Royal orders and more than a dozen Private orders

The Most Noble Order of the Garter

Motto: Honi soit qui mal y pense (Shame on him who thinks this evil)

Date created: 1348

Level: Knight/Lady of the Garter

Post nominal letters: KG/LG

Remarks: Limited to 25 Knights

The Order of the Garter, the oldest and most prestigious order, was founded by Edward III. The chapel of the order is St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.

The Most Ancient and Noble Order of the Thistle

Motto: Nemo me impune lacessit (No one provokes me with impunity)

Date created: 1687

Level: Knight/Lady of the Thistle

Post nominal letters: KT/LT

The Order of the Thistle was only established on a statutory basis by James II in 1687. It is limited to 16 Knights, all of whom must be Scottish.

The Order of Merit

Date created: 1902

Level: Member of the Order of Merit

Post nominal letters: OM

This order was created by Edward VII to recognise contributions in science, art, music, literature and public life. A military division is used to reward military leaders in time of war. The order is limited to 24 members.

The Royal Victorian Order

Date created: 1896

Levels: Knight/Dame Grand Cross (Post Nominal Letters: GCVO) Knight/Dame Commander (Post Nominal Letters: KCVO/DCVO) Commander (Post Nominal Letters: CVO) Lieutenant (Post Nominal Letters: LVO) Member (Post Nominal Letters: MVO)

Given for service to The Royal Family. The chapel of the order is The Queen's Chapel of the Savoy.

Rev. Col. B H Mason KtGC.OBE

  Grand Master 1989-1993