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An illustration of the Order of the Garter Star. The Most Noble Order of the Garter is an order of chivalry, or knighthood, originating in medieval England, and presently bestowed on recipients in any of the Commonwealth realms; it is the pinnacle of the honors system in the United Kingdom. Membership in the order is limited to the sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and no more than twenty-four members, or Companions; the order also comprises Supernumerary knights and ladies (e.g., members of the British Royal Family and foreign monarchs).

Order of the Garter Star

An illustration of the Order of the Garter Star. The Most Noble Order of the Garter is an order of chivalry,…

An illustration of the Order of the Garder's collar and George. The collar is an accessory worn around the neck, over the mantle. Like the mantle, it was introduced in the 15th and 16th centuries. Made of pure gold, it weighs 30 troy ounces (0.933 kg). The collar is composed of gold knots alternating with enamelled medallions showing a rose encircled by the Garter. During King Henry VII's reign, each garter surrounded two roses—one red and one white—but he changed the design such that each garter encircled only one red rose. The George, which is worn suspended from the collar, is a colorfully enameled three-dimensional figure of St George the Martyr on horseback slaying a dragon.

Order of the Garter's Collar and George

An illustration of the Order of the Garder's collar and George. The collar is an accessory worn around…

An illustration of the Order of the Garder's garter. The Garter is worn on ceremonial occasions around the left calf by knights and around the left arm by ladies, and is depicted on several insignia. The Garter is a buckled dark-blue (originally light-blue) velvet strap, and bears the motto in gold letters. The garters of Stranger Knights and Ladies were once set with several jewels.

Order of the Garter's Garter

An illustration of the Order of the Garder's garter. The Garter is worn on ceremonial occasions around…