The Most Noble Order of the Garter

The Most Noble Order of the Garter – A rare George III example of the garter insignia, the motto of the order ‘HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE’ embroidered in bullion on a blue velvet ground between similiarly embroidered foilate scrollwork terminating in a gilt metal buckle, fourth quarter of the 18 th century

The Order of the Garter is England’s oldest order of chivalry . It was founded by Edward III in the mid fourteenth century and is limited to the sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and no more than twenty-four members, or Companions, but also comprises Supernumerary knights and ladies (e.g., members of the British Royal Family and foreign monarchs).The order's emblem, as depicted on all insignia, is a garter with the motto Honi soit qui mal y pense ( Old French: "shame upon him who thinks evil of it") in gold lettering. Members of the order wore and continue to wear such a garter on ceremonial occasions.