The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George
The story of this order begins beyond Britain’s shores, in Malta and the Ionian islands. In 1814, Britain gained a strategically important victory over Napoleon’s forces, gaining control of Malta and the Ionian islands. Much of Britain’s triumph was down to the bravery and loyalty of Maltese and Ionian islanders. Four years later, these outstanding islanders received the recognition they deserved. In 1818, His Royal Highness the Prince Regent instituted a new order, the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George. This order was also awarded to British subjects who rendered distinguished service in the Mediterranean area.
When the Ionian islands were ceded in 1864, the order was soon restructured, broadening the range of British subjects who were eligible for it. Today, appointments are extended to diplomats and other members of the Foreign Office, and those who have given loyal or valuable service in administration connected with the Commonwealth or foreign affairs.
The emblem is particularly striking: the Archangel St Michael is pictured holding a flaming sword in his right hand and trampling on Satan. The motto is ‘Auspicum Melioris Aevi’, or ‘Token of a better age’.
Each year, a service is held at St Paul’s Cathedral. The attendant Knights wear a mantle of saxon-blue satin, lined with scarlet silk taffeta. On their left breast sits a gold and silver hand embroidered badge, as its centrepiece, an enamelled plate with the order’s emblem and motto. The mantle itself is fastened at the front with embroidered cordons of blue, red and gold. The collar is attached to the mantle with white silk satin shoulder bows.
Ede and Ravenscroft has made these magnificent mantles since the order was founded in 1818.
