The Most Noble Order of the Garter is an English order of chivalry. It was started in 1348, by King Edward III of England. The Order is the highest level of knighthood that can be given by the English monarch. It is the world's oldest national order of knighthood. Membership in the Order is limited to those people who have done many great things for the United Kingdom.
The Order of the Garter is made up of a very small number of people. This group includes the Sovereign (the King or Queen of Britain) and no more than 25 full members. These members are called "Companions". Male companions are called "Knight Companions". Female members are called "Lady Companions". There are also a number of extra members known as "Supernumerary" Knights and Ladies. These members are usually members of the British royal family, and monarchs of other countries.
The monarch alone can grant membership to the order. He or she is known as the Sovereign of the Garter, and the Prince of Wales is known as a Knight Companion of the Garter.
Knights of the Order use the post-nominal letters (KG) and Ladies of the Order (LG). Knights Companion can use the title "Sir" before their first name, and their wives can use the title "Lady" before their surnames. Ladies Companion can use the title "Lady" before their first name, but their husbands cannot use any title.
Current Members
Sovereign: Charles III
Royal Knight: The Prince of Wales KG KT PC
Knights and Ladies Companion:
The Duke of Abercorn KG
The Lord Butler of Brockwell KG GCB CVO PC
Sir John Major KG CH PC
The Lord Luce KG GCVO PC
Sir Thomas Dunne KG KCVO
The Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers KG PC
The Lord Stirrup KG GCB
The Baroness Manningham-Buller LG DCB
The Lord King of Lothbury KG GBE
The Lord Shuttleworth KG KCVO
Sir David Brewer KG CMG CVO
Lady Mary Fagan LG DCVO
The Viscount Brookeborough KG
Lady Mary Peters LG CH DBE
The Marquess of Salisbury KG KCVO PC
The Baroness Amos LG CH PC
Sir Tony Blair KG
The Baroness Ashton of Upholland LG GCMG PC
The Lord Patten of Barnes KG CH PC
Royal Knights and Ladies Companion: