The Most Excellent Order of The British Empire
For centuries, war only involved the military – and the orders of chivalry recognised loyalty and bravery in battle. But the First World War marked a sea change. For the first time, the entire nation was involved in the war effort and both military and civilians alike showed immense courage and service to their country. But while there were many orders that recognised military bravery, there was no such order for the civilian.
To rectify the situation, His Majesty King George V instituted the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire on 17th June 1917. It was a revolutionary order, and the first to accept both men and women. Although the first appointments honoured those who had loyally served the war effort, the King wished the order to award a much wider variety of services after the war ended. His wish was fulfilled and today, people from all walks of life are order members. It has been called the people’s order of chivalry, with over 100,000 living members in the world today.
Ede and Ravenscroft has made mantles for the order since it was founded. The order’s chapel is in the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral and services are held every four years. At the service, the Knights Grand Cross wear a rose-pink satin mantle lined with pearl-grey silk taffeta. The star of the order is hand embroidered in silver and gold on the left breast. In its centre sits the crowned effigies of King George V and Queen Mary, with the motto – “For God and the Empire” - inscribed in gold around the outside. The mantle closes at the front with cordons of pearl-grey silk, with rose pink and silver tassles. The order’s gold collar is fastened to the mantle with white silk satin shoulder bows.
