Order of St Michael and St George

The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is a British order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George IV, Prince of Wales, while he was acting as prince regent for his father, King George III.[1][2]

Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George
Collar and badge of the Grand Cross
Awarded by
TypeOrder of chivalry
Established28 April 1818
MottoAuspicium Melioris Ævi
Token of a Better Age
EligibilityTypically British or Commonwealth realm citizens
Awarded forAt the monarch's pleasure, though typically awarded for extraordinary non-military service in a foreign country and for services to foreign and commonwealth affairs
StatusCurrently constituted
FounderPrince George, Prince Regent
SovereignCharles III
Grand MasterPrince Edward, Duke of Kent
Grades
  • Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GCMG)
  • Knight/Dame Commander (KCMG/DCMG)
  • Companion (CMG)
Precedence
Next (higher)Order of the Star of India
Next (lower)Order of the Indian Empire

Ribbon bar of the Order of St Michael and St George

Knight Commander, KCMG insignia

It is named in honour of two military saints, Michael and George.

The Order of St Michael and St George was originally awarded to those holding commands or high position in the Mediterranean territories acquired in the Napoleonic Wars, and was subsequently extended to holders of similar office or position in other territories of the British Empire.[2] It is at present awarded to men and women who hold high office or who render extraordinary or important non-military service to the United Kingdom in a foreign country, and can also be conferred for important or loyal service in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs.[2]


Share this article:

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Order of St Michael and St George, and is written by contributors. Text is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International License; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.