The Most Noble Order of the Garter
The Order of the Garter is the very highest order and accolade a person can receive in Great Britain. Founded by His Majesty King Edward III in 1348, it is one of only three orders given as a personal gift from the Queen.
The Garter has a rich and colourful history. There are several theories behind the origins of the order’s emblem – the garter – and its motto. Some say they were inspired by an incident which took place whilst the King danced with Joan, Countess of Salisbury. The Countess' garter fell to the floor and after the King retrieved it he tied it to his own leg. Those looking on were amused by this, but the King rebuked them, saying 'Honi soit qui mal y pense', or ‘Dishonoured be he who thinks evil of it’. A more prosaic but more likely story is that the garter was inspired by the strap used to attach pieces of armour, and that the motto could well have referred to critics of Edward's claim to the throne of France.
The robes of the order are magnificent. As well as the Blue Garter, the Knights Companion (members of the order) wear the Garter Mantle. Fashioned from deep blue silk velvet lined with white silk taffeta, a hand embroidered gold badge on the left breast displays the cross of St George, encircled by the motto. A dashing crimson silk velvet hood drapes over the right shoulder, and gold and blue embroidered cordons close the Mantle at the front.
Putting on these robes can be a real challenge, so Ede and Ravenscroft is always on hand at the order’s Chapter meetings, helping members to robe. The most exciting meeting of all is the investiture of new Knights to the order.
New Knights Companion of the order are announced on St George’s day, but the actual investiture takes place in June, at Windsor Castle. Early in the morning, twelve representatives of Ede and Ravenscroft arrive at the castle and lay out the robes and insignia in readiness for the big event.
The ceremony itself is private, attended only by the Queen and the Knights and Officers of the order. In the hushed surroundings of the Throne Room, the Sovereign’s Page of Honour attaches the Garter round the leg of the new Knight. The Sovereign then places a kingfisher blue garter riband over the Knight, from the left shoulder to the right hip. Then follows the brilliant Garter Star, pinned to the Knight’s breast. Next comes the Garter Mantle, which the Queen fastens. Finally, the order’s collar is placed over the mantle and fastened on each shoulder with bows. A badge showing St George slaying the dragon is attached to the front of the collar.
After the ceremony comes lunch, followed by the annual service in St George’s Chapel, the order’s spiritual home. With each Knight resplendent in their robes, mantles, collars and hats, the grand procession from Windsor Castle to the chapel is a stunning sight.
