Saint Michael and Saint George, The Most Distinguished Order of

▪ British knighthood

      British order of knighthood founded in 1818 by the Prince Regent, later King George IV, to commemorate the British protectorate over the Ionian islands (now in Greece) and Malta, which came under British rule in 1814.

      Originally membership was exclusively for inhabitants of the Ionian islands and Malta, as well as for British citizens who had performed important government services in the Mediterranean area. Since 1879 any citizen of the United Kingdom has been eligible; however, the honour is conferred mostly on officials in colonial affairs, foreign-service officers and diplomats, and others who have performed important duties in Commonwealth countries. Foreigners may be admitted as honorary members.

      William IV instituted the three classes of knights of the order, which (in descending order of rank) are Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross (GCMG), Knight Commander or Dame Commander (KCMG or DCMG, respectively), and Companion (CMG). Membership is limited to 120 Knights Grand Cross, 390 Knights Commanders, and 1,775 Companions. Conferment of the two highest classes of the order entails admission into knighthood, if the candidate is not already a knight or dame, and the right to the title of “Sir” or “Dame” as appropriate. (Knights and Dames Grand Cross may be granted the use of supporters with their arms.) The order's officers are Prelate, Chancellor, Secretary, King of Arms, Registrar, and Gentleman Usher of the Blue Rod.

      The chapel of the order, dedicated in 1906, is in St. Paul's Cathedral in London and contains the banners and coats of arms of the Knights Grand Cross. The Star of the Order depicts St. Michael combating Satan and is emblazoned with the order's motto, “Auspicium melioris aevi” (“Augury of a better age”). The Badge of the Order is a medallion of St. George and the dragon on one side, and St. Michael combating Satan on the other, in a 14-point cross.

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