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 | |
|---|---|
_-_Tallinn_Museum_of_Orders.jpg){kind=icon} Collar and badge of the Grand Cross | |
| Awarded by | |
| Type | Order of chivalry |
| Established | 28 April 1818 |
| Motto | Auspicium Melioris Ævi Token of a Better Age |
| Eligibility | Typically British or Commonwealth realm citizens |
| Awarded for | At the monarch's pleasure, though typically awarded for extraordinary non-military service in a foreign country and for services to foreign and commonwealth affairs |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Founder | Prince George, Prince Regent |
| Sovereign | Charles III |
| Grand Master | Prince Edward, Duke of Kent |
| Grades |
|
| 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 | |
.svg){kind=small}
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]