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The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is a British order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George, Prince of Wales (the future King George IV), while he was acting as prince regent for his father, King George III. It is named in honour of two military saints, Michael and George.
Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George | |
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![]() Collar and badge of the Grand Cross | |
Awarded by
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Type | Order of chivalry |
Established | 28 April 1818 |
Motto | Auspicium Melioris Ævi (Latin for 'Token of a Better Age') |
Eligibility | Typically Commonwealth realm citizens |
Awarded for | At the monarch's pleasure, though typically awarded for extraordinary non-military service in a foreign country or 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 |
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Precedence | |
Next (higher) | Order of the Star of India |
Next (lower) | Order of the Indian Empire |
![]() Ribbon bar of the Order |
![image](https://www.english.nina.az/wikipedia/image/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZW5nbGlzaC5uaW5hLmF6L3dpa2lwZWRpYS9pbWFnZS9hSFIwY0hNNkx5OTFjR3h2WVdRdWQybHJhVzFsWkdsaExtOXlaeTkzYVd0cGNHVmthV0V2WTI5dGJXOXVjeTkwYUhWdFlpOWxMMlV5TDB0dWFXZG9kRjlEYjIxdFlXNWtaWEpmVDNKa1pYSmZVMkZwYm5SZlRXbGphR0ZsYkY5VFlXbHVkRjlIWlc5eVoyVmZRVVZCWDBOdmJHeGxZM1JwYjI1ekxtcHdaeTh5TWpCd2VDMUxibWxuYUhSZlEyOXRiV0Z1WkdWeVgwOXlaR1Z5WDFOaGFXNTBYMDFwWTJoaFpXeGZVMkZwYm5SZlIyVnZjbWRsWDBGRlFWOURiMnhzWldOMGFXOXVjeTVxY0djPS5qcGc=.jpg)
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 it was subsequently extended to holders of similar office or position in other territories of the British Empire. 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 it can also be conferred for important or loyal service in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs.
Description
The three classes of appointment to the Order are, from highest grade to lowest grade:
- Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG)
- Knight Commander or Dame Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG or DCMG)
- Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG)
Classes of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George | ||||||||
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Grade | Knight Grand Cross | Dame Grand Cross | Knight Commander | Dame Commander | Companion | |||
Prefix | Sir | Dame | Sir | Dame | — | |||
Post-nominals | GCMG | KCMG | DCMG | CMG | ||||
Insignia | ![]() | ![]() |
![image](https://www.english.nina.az/wikipedia/image/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZW5nbGlzaC5uaW5hLmF6L3dpa2lwZWRpYS9pbWFnZS9hSFIwY0hNNkx5OTFjR3h2WVdRdWQybHJhVzFsWkdsaExtOXlaeTkzYVd0cGNHVmthV0V2WTI5dGJXOXVjeTkwYUhWdFlpODVMemxrTDAxaGRIUnBZVjlRY21WMGFWOHRYMU4wTGw5SFpXOXlaMlZmVm1samRHOXlhVzkxYzE5dmRtVnlYM1JvWlY5RWNtRm5iMjVmTFY5WFIwRXhPRE01T0M1cWNHY3ZNakl3Y0hndFRXRjBkR2xoWDFCeVpYUnBYeTFmVTNRdVgwZGxiM0puWlY5V2FXTjBiM0pwYjNWelgyOTJaWEpmZEdobFgwUnlZV2R2Ymw4dFgxZEhRVEU0TXprNExtcHdadz09LmpwZw==.jpg)
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It is used to honour individuals who have rendered important services in relation to Commonwealth or foreign nations. People are appointed to the Order rather than awarded it. British Ambassadors to foreign nations are regularly appointed as KCMGs, DCMGs, or CMGs. For example, the former British Ambassador to the United States, Sir David Manning, was appointed a CMG when he worked for the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), and then after his appointment as British Ambassador to the US, he was promoted to a Knight Commander (KCMG). It is the traditional award for members of the FCO.
The Order's motto is Auspicium melioris ævi (Latin for "Token of a better age"). Its patron saints, as the name suggests, are St. Michael the Archangel, and St. George, patron saint of England and of soldiers. One of its primary symbols is that of St Michael trampling over and subduing Satan in battle.
The Order is the sixth-most senior in the British honours system, after The Most Noble Order of the Garter, The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, The Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick, The Most Honourable Order of the Bath, and The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India. The third of the aforementioned Orders—which relates to Ireland, no longer fully a part of the United Kingdom—still exists but is in disuse; no appointments have been made to it since 1936. The last of the Orders on the list, related to India, has also been in disuse since that country's independence in 1947.
History
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The Prince Regent founded the Order to commemorate the British amical protectorate over the Ionian Islands, which had come under British control in 1814 and had been granted their own constitution as the United States of the Ionian Islands in 1817. It was intended to reward "natives of the Ionian Islands and of the island of Malta and its dependencies, and for such other subjects of His Majesty as may hold high and confidential situations in the Mediterranean".
In 1864, however, the protectorate ended and the Ionian Islands became part of Greece. A revision of the basis of the Order in 1868, saw membership granted to those who "hold high and confidential offices within Her Majesty's colonial possessions, and in reward for services rendered to the Crown in relation to the foreign affairs of the Empire". Accordingly, nowadays, almost all Governors-General and Governors feature as recipients of awards in the order, typically as Knights or Dames Grand Cross.
In 1965 the order was opened to women, with Evelyn Bark becoming the first female CMG in 1967.
Composition
The British sovereign is the Sovereign of the Order and appoints all other members of the Order (by convention, on the advice of the Government). The next-most senior member is the Grand Master. The office was formerly filled by the Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands; now, however, Grand Masters are chosen by the Sovereign. Grand Masters include:
- 1818–1825: Sir Thomas Maitland
- 1825–1850: Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge
- 1850–1904: Prince George, Duke of Cambridge
- 1905–1910: George, Prince of Wales
- 1910–1917: None
- 1917–1936: Edward, Prince of Wales
- 1936–1957: Alexander Cambridge, 1st Earl of Athlone
- 1957–1959: Edward Wood, 1st Earl of Halifax
- 1959–1967: Harold Alexander, 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis
- 1967–present: Prince Edward, Duke of Kent
The Order originally included 15 Knights Grand Cross, 20 Knights Commanders, and 25 Companions but has since been expanded and the current limits on membership are 125, 375, and 1,750 respectively. Members of the royal family who are appointed to the Order do not count towards the limit, nor do foreign members appointed as "honorary members".
Officers
The Order has six officers. The Order's King of Arms is not a member of the College of Arms, like many other heraldic officers. The Usher of the Order is known as the Gentleman or Lady Usher of the Blue Rod. Blue Rod does not, unlike the usher of the Order of the Garter, perform any duties related to the House of Lords.
Habit and insignia
![image](https://www.english.nina.az/wikipedia/image/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZW5nbGlzaC5uaW5hLmF6L3dpa2lwZWRpYS9pbWFnZS9hSFIwY0hNNkx5OTFjR3h2WVdRdWQybHJhVzFsWkdsaExtOXlaeTkzYVd0cGNHVmthV0V2WTI5dGJXOXVjeTkwYUhWdFlpODVMemsyTDA5eVpHVnlYMjltWDFOMFgwMXBZMmhoWld4ZllXNWtYMU4wWDBkbGIzSm5aVjl0WVc1MGJHVmZkMmwwYUY5emRHRnlMbXB3Wnk4eE5qQndlQzFQY21SbGNsOXZabDlUZEY5TmFXTm9ZV1ZzWDJGdVpGOVRkRjlIWlc5eVoyVmZiV0Z1ZEd4bFgzZHBkR2hmYzNSaGNpNXFjR2M9LmpwZw==.jpg)
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![image](https://www.english.nina.az/wikipedia/image/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZW5nbGlzaC5uaW5hLmF6L3dpa2lwZWRpYS9pbWFnZS9hSFIwY0hNNkx5OTFjR3h2WVdRdWQybHJhVzFsWkdsaExtOXlaeTkzYVd0cGNHVmthV0V2WTI5dGJXOXVjeTkwYUhWdFlpODBMelEwTDB0bGRHVnVYMjFsZEY5cmJHVnBibTl2WkY5MllXNWZaV1Z1WDBkRFRVY3VhbkJuTHpFMk1IQjRMVXRsZEdWdVgyMWxkRjlyYkdWcGJtOXZaRjkyWVc1ZlpXVnVYMGREVFVjdWFuQm4uanBn.jpg)
Members of the Order wear elaborate regalia on important occasions (such as coronations), which vary by rank:
- The mantle, worn only by Knights and Dames Grand Cross, is made of Saxon blue satin lined with crimson silk. On the left side is a representation of the star (see below). The mantle is bound with two large tassels.
- The collar, worn only by Knights and Dames Grand Cross, is made of gold. It consists of depictions of crowned English lions, Maltese Crosses, and the cyphers "SM" and "SG", all alternately. In the centre are two winged lions of St. Mark, each holding a bible and seven arrows—the emblem of the seven united Ionian Islands.
At less important occasions, simpler insignia are used:
- The star is an insignia used only by Knights and Dames Grand Cross and Knights and Dames Commanders. It is worn pinned to the left breast. The Knight and Dame Grand Cross' star includes seven-armed, silver-rayed 'Maltese Asterisk' (for want of a better description—see image of badge), with a gold ray in between each pair of arms. The Knight and Dame Commander's star is a slightly smaller eight-pointed silver figure formed by two Maltese Crosses; it does not include any gold rays. In each case, the star bears a red cross of St George. In the centre of the star is a dark blue ring bearing the motto of the Order. Within the ring is a representation of St Michael trampling on Satan.
- The badge is the only insignia used by all members of the Order; it is suspended on a blue-crimson-blue ribbon. Knights and Dames Grand Cross wear it on a riband or sash, passing from the right shoulder to the left hip. Knights Commanders and male Companions wear the badge from a ribbon around the neck; Dames Commanders and female Companions wear it from a bow on the left shoulder. The badge is a seven-armed, white-enamelled 'Maltese Asterisk' (see Maltese Cross); the obverse shows St Michael trampling on Satan, while the reverse shows St George on horseback killing a dragon, both within a dark blue ring bearing the motto of the Order.
Prior to 2011, the devil was portrayed with black skin while St Michael was shown as being white; this was changed that year to show both with same skin colour, although St Michael's wings were changed from being multi-colour to being pure white. The alleged racism of this imagery has resulted in the government of Jamaica suspending the use of the badge entirely. In June 2020, calls were made for a complete redesign of the insignia, including from Sir Michael Palin of Monty Python fame, a Knight Commander of the Order In July, the Cabinet Office announced that officers of the Order who were unhappy with their insignia could exchange them for one of the newer models.
On certain collar days designated by the Sovereign, members attending formal events may wear the Order's collar over their military uniform or morning wear. When collars are worn (either on collar days or on formal occasions such as coronations), the badge is suspended from the collar. All collars which have been awarded since 1948 must be returned to the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. The other insignia may be retained.
Chapel
![image](https://www.english.nina.az/wikipedia/image/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZW5nbGlzaC5uaW5hLmF6L3dpa2lwZWRpYS9pbWFnZS9hSFIwY0hNNkx5OTFjR3h2WVdRdWQybHJhVzFsWkdsaExtOXlaeTkzYVd0cGNHVmthV0V2WTI5dGJXOXVjeTkwYUhWdFlpODJMelptTDFOMFgxQmhkV3dsTWpkelgwTmhkR2hsWkhKaGJGOURhR0Z3Wld4ZmIyWmZVM1JmVFdsamFHRmxiRjhsTWpaZlUzUmZSMlZ2Y21kbEpUSkRYMHh2Ym1SdmJsOVZTMTh0WDBScGJHbG1aaTVxY0djdk1qSXdjSGd0VTNSZlVHRjFiQ1V5TjNOZlEyRjBhR1ZrY21Gc1gwTm9ZWEJsYkY5dlpsOVRkRjlOYVdOb1lXVnNYeVV5Tmw5VGRGOUhaVzl5WjJVbE1rTmZURzl1Wkc5dVgxVkxYeTFmUkdsc2FXWm1MbXB3Wnc9PS5qcGc=.jpg)
The original home of the Order was the Palace of St. Michael and St. George in Corfu, the residence of the Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands and the seat of the Ionian Senate. Since 1906, the Order's chapel has been in St Paul's Cathedral in London. (The cathedral also serves as home to the chapels of the Order of the British Empire and the Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor.) Religious services for the whole Order are held quadrennially; new Knights and Dames Grand Cross are installed at these services.
The Sovereign and the Knights and Dames Grand Cross are allotted stalls in the choir of the chapel, above which their heraldic devices are displayed. Perched on the pinnacle of a knight's stall is his helm, decorated with a mantling and topped by his crest. Under English heraldic law, women other than monarchs do not bear helms or crests; instead, the coronet appropriate to the dame's rank, if there is one, is used. Above the crest or coronet, the stall's occupant's heraldic banner is hung, emblazoned with his or her coat of arms. At a considerably smaller scale, to the back of the stall is affixed a piece of brass (a "stall plate") displaying its occupant's name, arms and date of admission into the Order. Upon the death of a Knight, the banner, helm, mantling and crest are taken down. The stall plates, however, are not removed; rather, they remain permanently affixed somewhere about the stall, so that the stalls of the chapel are festooned with a colourful record of the Order's Knights and Dames Grand Cross since 1906.
The reredos within the chapel was commissioned from Henry Poole in 1927.
Precedence and privileges
Members of the Order of St Michael are assigned positions in the order of precedence in England and Wales. Wives of male members also feature on the order of precedence, as do sons, daughters and daughters-in-law of Knights Grand Cross and Knights Commanders; relatives of female members, however, are not assigned any special precedence. (Individuals can derive precedence from their fathers or husbands, but not from their mothers or wives. This follows the general rule of honours, that a husband never derives any style or title from his wife.)
Knights Grand Cross and Knights Commanders prefix "Sir", and Dames Grand Cross and Dames Commanders prefix "Dame", to their forenames. Wives of Knights may prefix "Lady" to their surnames, but husbands of Dames derive no title from their wives. Such forms are not used by peers and princes, except when the names of the former are written out in their fullest forms. Furthermore, honorary (foreign) members and clergymen do not receive the accolade and thus are not entitled to use the prefix "Sir" or "Dame". Knights and Dames Grand Cross use the post-nominal "GCMG"; Knights Commanders and Dames Commanders use "KCMG" and "DCMG" respectively; Companions use "CMG".
Knights and Dames Grand Cross are also entitled to receive heraldic supporters. They may, furthermore, encircle their arms with a depiction of the circlet (a circle bearing the motto) and the collar; the former is shown either outside or on top of the latter. Knights and Dames Commanders and Companions may display the circlet, but not the collar, surrounding their arms. The badge is depicted suspended from the collar or circlet.
Popular references
In the satirical British television programme Yes Minister, Jim Hacker MP is told a joke by his Private Secretary, Bernard Woolley, about what the various post-nominals stand for. From Series 2, Episode 2 "Doing the Honours":
Woolley: In the service, CMG stands for "Call Me God". And KCMG for "Kindly Call Me God".
Hacker: What does GCMG stand for?
Woolley (deadpan): "God Calls Me God".
Ian Fleming's spy, James Bond, a commander in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve (RNVR), was fictionally decorated as a CMG in 1953. This is mentioned in the novels From Russia, with Love and On Her Majesty's Secret Service, and on-screen in his obituary in Skyfall. He was offered appointment as KCMG (which would have elevated him from Companion to Knight Commander in the Order) in The Man with the Golden Gun, but he rejected the offer as he did not wish to become a public figure. Judi Dench's character "M" is "offered" early retirement as a GCMG in Skyfall.
Daniel Craig, who has portrayed Bond on film, was appointed (CMG) in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to film and theatre. The general release on 30 September 2021 of his last appearance as James Bond, in No Time to Die, had been delayed by almost two years due to a change of director and the COVID-19 pandemic. Coinciding with the film's premiere, and matching his fictional character's rank, Craig became an Honorary Commander in Britain's Royal Navy. Following this appointment, he committed to being an ambassador for the Royal Navy, particularly in its international role, and to the welfare of its service families.
Long-time Doctor Who companion Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart wore the ribbon of the order as the highest of his decorations.
Current Knights and Dames Grand Cross
This section needs additional citations for verification.(August 2011) |
Sovereign and Grand Master
Name | Year of appointment | Present age |
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King Charles III (ex officio) | Sovereign since 2022 | 76 |
Prince Edward, Duke of Kent KG, GCMG, GCVO, CD, ADC | 1967 | 89 |
Knights and Dames Grand Cross
Name | Known for | Year of appointment | Present age |
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David Wilson, Baron Wilson of Tillyorn KT, GCMG, FRSE | Governor of Hong Kong | 1991 | 89 |
Sir Wiwa Korowi GCMG | Governor-General of Papua New Guinea | 1992 | 76 |
Sir James Carlisle GCMG, KStJ | Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda | 1993 | 92 |
Sir Rodric Braithwaite GCMG | Chairman of the UK Joint Intelligence Committee and Ambassador to the Soviet Union and Russia | 1994 | 92 |
Sir Colville Young GCMG, MBE, PC | Governor-General of Belize | 92 | |
David Hannay, Baron Hannay of Chiswick GCMG, CH | Permanent Representative to the United Nations | 1995 | 89 |
Sir Orville Turnquest ON, GCMG, KC, JP | Governor-General of The Bahamas | 95 | |
Sir Tulaga Manuella GCMG, MBE | Governor-General of Tuvalu | 1996 | 88 |
Sir John Coles GCMG | Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs | 1997 | 87 |
Dame Pearlette Louisy GCSL, GCMG, DStJ | Governor-General of Saint Lucia | 1999 | 78 |
Sir Andrew Wood GCMG | Ambassador to Russia and Ambassador to Yugoslavia | 2001 | 85 |
Sir John Goulden GCMG | Permanent Representative to the Western European Union, Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Council and Ambassador to Turkey | 83 | |
John Kerr, Baron Kerr of Kinlochard GCMG | Permanent Under-Secretary of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ambassador to the United States | 82 | |
Sir Tomasi Puapua GCMG, KBE, PC | Governor-General of Tuvalu and Prime Minister of Tuvalu | 2002 | 86 |
Sir David Wright GCMG, LVO | Ambassador to Japan and Ambassador to South Korea | 80 | |
Sir Jeremy Greenstock GCMG | Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations | 2003 | 81 |
Sir Rob Young GCMG | High Commissioner to India | 79 | |
George Robertson, Baron Robertson of Port Ellen KT, GCMG, PC, FRSA, FRSE | Secretary General of NATO | 2004 | 78 |
Sir Stephen Wall GCMG, LVO | Permanent Representative to the European Union and Ambassador to Portugal | 77–78 | |
Sir Nathaniel Waena GCMG, KStJ, CSI | Governor-General of the Solomon Islands | 2005 | 79 |
Michael Jay, Baron Jay of Ewelme GCMG | Permanent Under-Secretary of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ambassador to France | 2006 | 78 |
Sir Emyr Jones Parry GCMG, FInstP, FLSW | Permanent Representiative to the United Nations Security Council and Permanent Representative to NATO | 2007 | 77 |
Sir Kenneth Hall ON, , GCMG, OJ | Governor-General of Jamaica | 83 | |
Dame Louise Lake-Tack GCMG, DStJ, DGN, DNH, GCH, OM | Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda | 80 | |
Sir David Manning GCMG, KCVO | Ambassador to the United States, Permanent Representative on the North Atlantic Council and Ambassador to Israel | 2008 | 75 |
Sir Patrick Allen ON, GCMG, KStJ, CD | Governor-General of Jamaica | 2009 | 74 |
Sir Frank Kabui GCMG, OBE, KStJ CSI | Governor-General of the Solomon Islands | 78 | |
Sir Arthur Foulkes ON, GCMG | Governor-General of The Bahamas and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom | 2010 | 96 |
Sir Iakoba Italeli GCMG | Governor-General of Tuvalu and Attorney General of Tuvalu | ||
Peter Ricketts, Baron Ricketts GCMG, GCVO | National Security Adviser and Permanent Under-Secretary of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office | 2011 | 72 |
Sir Nigel Sheinwald GCMG | Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the European Union | 71 | |
Sir Elliott Belgrave GCMG, KStJ, KA, CHB, SC | Governor-General of Barbados | 2012 | 93 |
Dame Cécile La Grenade GCMG, OBE, DStJ | Governor-General of Grenada | 72 | |
Sir Edmund Lawrence GCMG, OBE, CSM, JP | Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis | 92 | |
Dame Marguerite Pindling ON, GCMG | Governor-General of The Bahamas | 2014 | 92 |
Sir Rodney Williams GCMG, KStJ, KGN, KNH, GCH, GCM | Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda | 77 | |
Catherine Ashton, Baroness Ashton of Upholland LG, GCMG, PC | First Vice-President of the European Commission and European Commissioner for Trade | 2015 | 68 |
Sir John Sawers GCMG, FRUSI | Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service and Permanent Representative to the United Nations | 69 | |
Sir Simon Fraser GCMG | Permanent Under-Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs | 2016 | 66 |
Sir Peter Westmacott GCMG, LVO | Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador to France and Ambassador to Turkey | 74 | |
Sir Robert Dadae GCL, GCMG, KStJ | Governor-General of Papua New Guinea | 2017 | 63 |
Dame Sandra Mason FB, GCMG, KStJ, DA, SC | Governor-General of Barbados | 76 | |
Sir Mark Lyall Grant GCMG | National Security Adviser and Permanent Representative to the United Nations | 2018 | 68 |
Sir Neville Cenac GCSL, GCMG | Governor-General of Saint Lucia | 85 | |
Sir Cornelius Smith ON, GCMG | Governor-General of The Bahamas | 2019 | 87 |
Sir David Vunagi GCMG | Governor-General of the Solomon Islands and Archbishop of Melanesia | 73 | |
Dame Susan Dougan GCMG, OBE | Governor-General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 2020 | 69 |
Sir David Attenborough OM, GCMG, CH, CVO, CBE, FRS, FSA, FRSA, FLS, FZS, FRSGS, FRSB | Television broadcaster and conservationist | 98 | |
Sir Tim Barrow GCMG, LVO, MBE | Ambassador to the European Union, Ambassador to Russia and Ambassador to Ukraine | 60 | |
Sir Julian King GCMG, KCVO | European Commissioner for the Security Union, Ambassador to France and Ambassador to Ireland | 60 | |
Simon McDonald, Baron McDonald of Salford GCMG, KCVO | Permanent Under-Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Ambassador to Germany and Ambassador to Israel | 2021 | 63 |
Dame Froyla Tzalam GCMG | Governor-General of Belize | 2022 | |
Sir Iain Macleod GCMG | Legal Adviser to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office | ||
Sir Tofiga Vaevalu Falani GCMG, MBE | Governor-General of Tuvalu | ||
Mark Sedwill, Lord Sedwill GCMG, PC, FRGS | Cabinet Secretary, Head of the Home Civil Service and National Security Adviser | 60 | |
Dame Marcella Liburd GCMG, JP | Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis | 2023 | 71 |
Sir Simon Gass GCMG, CVO | Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee and Ambassador to Iran | 68 | |
Dame Cynthia Pratt ON, GCMG, CB, CD, JP | Governor-General of The Bahamas | 79 | |
Sir Stephen Lovegrove GCMG, KCB | National Security Adviser and Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Defence | 2024 | 58 |
Honorary Knights and Dames Grand Cross and Commander
See List of current honorary knights and dames of the Order of St Michael and St George.
Officers
- Prelate: David Urquhart KCMG (former Bishop of Birmingham)
- Chancellor: Catherine Ashton, Baroness Ashton of Upholland LG, GCMG, PC
- Secretary: Sir Philip Barton KCMG, OBE
- Registrar: Sir David Manning GCMG, KCVO
- King of Arms: Sir Mark Lyall Grant GCMG
- Lady Usher of the Blue Rod: Dame DeAnne Julius DCMG, CBE
Gallery
- Companion class of the order with the wearer's instruction guide.
- CMG class in a case.
- Reverse of a CMG badge showing Saint George.
- Riband, badge and star of a GCMG worn by John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir
- Obverse of the CMG badge showing Saint Michael.
- CMG class of the Order of St. Michael & St. George by Spink & Son.
- CMG in a case by Spink.
- Companion of the Order of St. Michael & St. George.
- CMG in a case by Spink
- Riband (worn incorrectly), star and collar of GCMG worn by Francis Grenfell, 1st Baron Grenfell
- A Seychellois stamp depicting Elizabeth II in robes of the order, 1986
- Star and collar of GCMG worn by Serbian Field Marshal Živojin Mišić
- CMG set.
- Set of the Companion class.
- GCMG breast star.
- Companion class on a neck riband.
- CMG class of the order.
- Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, Grand Master of the Order, and Katharine, Duchess of Kent
- The GCMG set of former Dutch Prime Minister Willem Drees.
- Miniature of the order.
- KCMG breast star.
See also
- List of people who have declined a British honour
- Order of the Bath
- Order of the British Empire
- Order of the Garter
- Order of the Thistle
- Royal Victorian Order
- Russian Order of St George
Notes
- It is commonly written without "of the Most Distinguished Order" and other words not implied by the post-nominals.
References
- Duckers, Peter (2009) [2004]. British Orders and Decorations. Oxford: Shire Publications. pp. 26–27. ISBN 978-0-7478-0580-9. OCLC 55587484.
- The Royal Household (2009). "Order of St. Michael and St. George". The Official Website of the British Monarchy. London: Crown Copyright. Archived from the original on 27 February 2009. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
- Townsend, Francis (1828). Calendar of Knights. William Pickering. p. 206.
- "Knights/Knighthoods". Geni. Archived from the original on 2 August 2016. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
- Limerick, Sylvia (23 June 1993). "Obituary: Evelyn Bark". The Independent. Archived from the original on 26 April 2023.
- "No. 27785". The London Gazette. 18 April 1905. p. 2886.
- Desmond Allen (25 June 2020). "GG rejects racist emblem". Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original on 16 September 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- Joseph Netto; Leah Asmelash (27 June 2020). "Jamaica's governor-general suspends personal use of royal insignia over 'offending image'". CNN. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
- Kate Chappel (30 June 2020). "Jamaica suspends use of British royal insignia after anti-racism protests". Reuters. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- Tom Ball. "Michael Palin calls for redesign of 'offensive' knighthood medal". The Times. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
- Middleton, Lucy (2 July 2020). "Recipients of Queen's 'racist' honour can swap medal for updated design". Metro.co.uk. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- Henry POOLE 1873–1928 (Tate Britain); retrieved 1 October 2009.
- Cross, Colin (1968). The Fall of the British Empire. London: Book Club Associates.
- "No. 63571". The London Gazette (Supplement). 1 January 2022. p. N3.
- "Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood | Honours and Awards". The Gazette. Archived from the original on 5 December 2022.
Further reading
- The Order of St Michael and St George: 1818 to 2018 part one: its first century by Russell Malloch. [London, The Stationery Office, 2018] at thegazette.co.uk
- The Order of St Michael and St George: 1818 to 2018 part two: its second century by Russell Malloch. [London, The Stationery Office, 2018] at thegazette.co.uk
- "Knighthood and Chivalry", (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica, 11th ed. London: Cambridge University Press.
- Orans, L. P. "The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George"
- Velde, F. R. (2003). "Order of Precedence in England and Wales"
- State Library of New South Wales: Nelson Meers Foundation Archived 15 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine — gallery to full set of insignia, including images of both sides of the badge and a close-up of the star.
External links
![image](https://www.english.nina.az/wikipedia/image/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZW5nbGlzaC5uaW5hLmF6L3dpa2lwZWRpYS9pbWFnZS9hSFIwY0hNNkx5OTFjR3h2WVdRdWQybHJhVzFsWkdsaExtOXlaeTkzYVd0cGNHVmthV0V2Wlc0dmRHaDFiV0l2TkM4MFlTOURiMjF0YjI1ekxXeHZaMjh1YzNabkx6TXdjSGd0UTI5dGJXOXVjeTFzYjJkdkxuTjJaeTV3Ym1jPS5wbmc=.png)
Order of St Michael and St George (category)
- Order of St Michael and St George – Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood
- The Order of St Michael and St George – Royal Household website
- Order of St Michael and St George – UK Cabinet Office
- The British honours system – UK Government
The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is a British order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George Prince of Wales the future King George IV while he was acting as prince regent for his father King George III It is named in honour of two military saints Michael and George Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint GeorgeCollar and badge of the Grand CrossAwarded by The monarch of the United KingdomTypeOrder of chivalryEstablished28 April 1818MottoAuspicium Melioris AEvi Latin for Token of a Better Age EligibilityTypically Commonwealth realm citizensAwarded forAt the monarch s pleasure though typically awarded for extraordinary non military service in a foreign country or for services to foreign and Commonwealth affairsStatusCurrently constitutedFounderPrince George Prince RegentSovereignCharles IIIGrand MasterPrince Edward Duke of KentGradesKnight Dame Grand Cross GCMG Knight Dame Commander KCMG DCMG Companion CMG PrecedenceNext higher Order of the Star of IndiaNext lower Order of the Indian EmpireRibbon bar of the OrderKnight Commander KCMG insignia 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 it was subsequently extended to holders of similar office or position in other territories of the British Empire 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 it can also be conferred for important or loyal service in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs DescriptionThe three classes of appointment to the Order are from highest grade to lowest grade Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George GCMG Knight Commander or Dame Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George KCMG or DCMG Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George CMG Classes of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St GeorgeGrade Knight Grand Cross Dame Grand Cross Knight Commander Dame Commander CompanionPrefix Sir Dame Sir Dame Post nominals GCMG KCMG DCMG CMGInsigniaSt George and the Dragon by Mattia Preti 1678 Coat of arms of the British monarch as sovereign of the Order of St Michael and St George It is used to honour individuals who have rendered important services in relation to Commonwealth or foreign nations People are appointed to the Order rather than awarded it British Ambassadors to foreign nations are regularly appointed as KCMGs DCMGs or CMGs For example the former British Ambassador to the United States Sir David Manning was appointed a CMG when he worked for the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office FCO and then after his appointment as British Ambassador to the US he was promoted to a Knight Commander KCMG It is the traditional award for members of the FCO The Order s motto is Auspicium melioris aevi Latin for Token of a better age Its patron saints as the name suggests are St Michael the Archangel and St George patron saint of England and of soldiers One of its primary symbols is that of St Michael trampling over and subduing Satan in battle The Order is the sixth most senior in the British honours system after The Most Noble Order of the Garter The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle The Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick The Most Honourable Order of the Bath and The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India The third of the aforementioned Orders which relates to Ireland no longer fully a part of the United Kingdom still exists but is in disuse no appointments have been made to it since 1936 The last of the Orders on the list related to India has also been in disuse since that country s independence in 1947 HistoryThe Order s insignia often depict St Michael subduing Satan The Prince Regent founded the Order to commemorate the British amical protectorate over the Ionian Islands which had come under British control in 1814 and had been granted their own constitution as the United States of the Ionian Islands in 1817 It was intended to reward natives of the Ionian Islands and of the island of Malta and its dependencies and for such other subjects of His Majesty as may hold high and confidential situations in the Mediterranean In 1864 however the protectorate ended and the Ionian Islands became part of Greece A revision of the basis of the Order in 1868 saw membership granted to those who hold high and confidential offices within Her Majesty s colonial possessions and in reward for services rendered to the Crown in relation to the foreign affairs of the Empire Accordingly nowadays almost all Governors General and Governors feature as recipients of awards in the order typically as Knights or Dames Grand Cross In 1965 the order was opened to women with Evelyn Bark becoming the first female CMG in 1967 CompositionThe British sovereign is the Sovereign of the Order and appoints all other members of the Order by convention on the advice of the Government The next most senior member is the Grand Master The office was formerly filled by the Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands now however Grand Masters are chosen by the Sovereign Grand Masters include 1818 1825 Sir Thomas Maitland 1825 1850 Prince Adolphus Duke of Cambridge 1850 1904 Prince George Duke of Cambridge 1905 1910 George Prince of Wales 1910 1917 None 1917 1936 Edward Prince of Wales 1936 1957 Alexander Cambridge 1st Earl of Athlone 1957 1959 Edward Wood 1st Earl of Halifax 1959 1967 Harold Alexander 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis 1967 present Prince Edward Duke of Kent The Order originally included 15 Knights Grand Cross 20 Knights Commanders and 25 Companions but has since been expanded and the current limits on membership are 125 375 and 1 750 respectively Members of the royal family who are appointed to the Order do not count towards the limit nor do foreign members appointed as honorary members Officers The Order has six officers The Order s King of Arms is not a member of the College of Arms like many other heraldic officers The Usher of the Order is known as the Gentleman or Lady Usher of the Blue Rod Blue Rod does not unlike the usher of the Order of the Garter perform any duties related to the House of Lords Habit and insigniaMantle of the OrderRepresentation of the star of a Knight or Dame Grand CrossStar and badge of a Knight or Dame CommanderCollar worn by a Knight or Dame Grand Cross Members of the Order wear elaborate regalia on important occasions such as coronations which vary by rank The mantle worn only by Knights and Dames Grand Cross is made of Saxon blue satin lined with crimson silk On the left side is a representation of the star see below The mantle is bound with two large tassels The collar worn only by Knights and Dames Grand Cross is made of gold It consists of depictions of crowned English lions Maltese Crosses and the cyphers SM and SG all alternately In the centre are two winged lions of St Mark each holding a bible and seven arrows the emblem of the seven united Ionian Islands At less important occasions simpler insignia are used The star is an insignia used only by Knights and Dames Grand Cross and Knights and Dames Commanders It is worn pinned to the left breast The Knight and Dame Grand Cross star includes seven armed silver rayed Maltese Asterisk for want of a better description see image of badge with a gold ray in between each pair of arms The Knight and Dame Commander s star is a slightly smaller eight pointed silver figure formed by two Maltese Crosses it does not include any gold rays In each case the star bears a red cross of St George In the centre of the star is a dark blue ring bearing the motto of the Order Within the ring is a representation of St Michael trampling on Satan The badge is the only insignia used by all members of the Order it is suspended on a blue crimson blue ribbon Knights and Dames Grand Cross wear it on a riband or sash passing from the right shoulder to the left hip Knights Commanders and male Companions wear the badge from a ribbon around the neck Dames Commanders and female Companions wear it from a bow on the left shoulder The badge is a seven armed white enamelled Maltese Asterisk see Maltese Cross the obverse shows St Michael trampling on Satan while the reverse shows St George on horseback killing a dragon both within a dark blue ring bearing the motto of the Order Prior to 2011 the devil was portrayed with black skin while St Michael was shown as being white this was changed that year to show both with same skin colour although St Michael s wings were changed from being multi colour to being pure white The alleged racism of this imagery has resulted in the government of Jamaica suspending the use of the badge entirely In June 2020 calls were made for a complete redesign of the insignia including from Sir Michael Palin of Monty Python fame a Knight Commander of the Order In July the Cabinet Office announced that officers of the Order who were unhappy with their insignia could exchange them for one of the newer models On certain collar days designated by the Sovereign members attending formal events may wear the Order s collar over their military uniform or morning wear When collars are worn either on collar days or on formal occasions such as coronations the badge is suspended from the collar All collars which have been awarded since 1948 must be returned to the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood The other insignia may be retained ChapelThe chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George in St Paul s Cathedral London The original home of the Order was the Palace of St Michael and St George in Corfu the residence of the Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands and the seat of the Ionian Senate Since 1906 the Order s chapel has been in St Paul s Cathedral in London The cathedral also serves as home to the chapels of the Order of the British Empire and the Imperial Society of Knights Bachelor Religious services for the whole Order are held quadrennially new Knights and Dames Grand Cross are installed at these services The Sovereign and the Knights and Dames Grand Cross are allotted stalls in the choir of the chapel above which their heraldic devices are displayed Perched on the pinnacle of a knight s stall is his helm decorated with a mantling and topped by his crest Under English heraldic law women other than monarchs do not bear helms or crests instead the coronet appropriate to the dame s rank if there is one is used Above the crest or coronet the stall s occupant s heraldic banner is hung emblazoned with his or her coat of arms At a considerably smaller scale to the back of the stall is affixed a piece of brass a stall plate displaying its occupant s name arms and date of admission into the Order Upon the death of a Knight the banner helm mantling and crest are taken down The stall plates however are not removed rather they remain permanently affixed somewhere about the stall so that the stalls of the chapel are festooned with a colourful record of the Order s Knights and Dames Grand Cross since 1906 The reredos within the chapel was commissioned from Henry Poole in 1927 Precedence and privilegesMembers of the Order of St Michael are assigned positions in the order of precedence in England and Wales Wives of male members also feature on the order of precedence as do sons daughters and daughters in law of Knights Grand Cross and Knights Commanders relatives of female members however are not assigned any special precedence Individuals can derive precedence from their fathers or husbands but not from their mothers or wives This follows the general rule of honours that a husband never derives any style or title from his wife Knights Grand Cross and Knights Commanders prefix Sir and Dames Grand Cross and Dames Commanders prefix Dame to their forenames Wives of Knights may prefix Lady to their surnames but husbands of Dames derive no title from their wives Such forms are not used by peers and princes except when the names of the former are written out in their fullest forms Furthermore honorary foreign members and clergymen do not receive the accolade and thus are not entitled to use the prefix Sir or Dame Knights and Dames Grand Cross use the post nominal GCMG Knights Commanders and Dames Commanders use KCMG and DCMG respectively Companions use CMG Knights and Dames Grand Cross are also entitled to receive heraldic supporters They may furthermore encircle their arms with a depiction of the circlet a circle bearing the motto and the collar the former is shown either outside or on top of the latter Knights and Dames Commanders and Companions may display the circlet but not the collar surrounding their arms The badge is depicted suspended from the collar or circlet Popular referencesIn the satirical British television programme Yes Minister Jim Hacker MP is told a joke by his Private Secretary Bernard Woolley about what the various post nominals stand for From Series 2 Episode 2 Doing the Honours Woolley In the service CMG stands for Call Me God And KCMG for Kindly Call Me God Hacker What does GCMG stand for Woolley deadpan God Calls Me God Ian Fleming s spy James Bond a commander in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve RNVR was fictionally decorated as a CMG in 1953 This is mentioned in the novels From Russia with Love and On Her Majesty s Secret Service and on screen in his obituary in Skyfall He was offered appointment as KCMG which would have elevated him from Companion to Knight Commander in the Order in The Man with the Golden Gun but he rejected the offer as he did not wish to become a public figure Judi Dench s character M is offered early retirement as a GCMG in Skyfall Daniel Craig who has portrayed Bond on film was appointed CMG in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to film and theatre The general release on 30 September 2021 of his last appearance as James Bond in No Time to Die had been delayed by almost two years due to a change of director and the COVID 19 pandemic Coinciding with the film s premiere and matching his fictional character s rank Craig became an Honorary Commander in Britain s Royal Navy Following this appointment he committed to being an ambassador for the Royal Navy particularly in its international role and to the welfare of its service families Long time Doctor Who companion Brigadier Lethbridge Stewart wore the ribbon of the order as the highest of his decorations Current Knights and Dames Grand CrossThis section needs additional citations for verification Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section Unsourced material may be challenged and removed August 2011 Learn how and when to remove this message Sovereign and Grand Master Name Year of appointment Present ageKing Charles III ex officio Sovereign since 2022 76Prince Edward Duke of Kent KG GCMG GCVO CD ADC 1967 89Knights and Dames Grand Cross Name Known for Year of appointment Present ageDavid Wilson Baron Wilson of Tillyorn KT GCMG FRSE Governor of Hong Kong 1991 89Sir Wiwa Korowi GCMG Governor General of Papua New Guinea 1992 76Sir James Carlisle GCMG KStJ Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda 1993 92Sir Rodric Braithwaite GCMG Chairman of the UK Joint Intelligence Committee and Ambassador to the Soviet Union and Russia 1994 92Sir Colville Young GCMG MBE PC Governor General of Belize 92David Hannay Baron Hannay of Chiswick GCMG CH Permanent Representative to the United Nations 1995 89Sir Orville Turnquest ON GCMG KC JP Governor General of The Bahamas 95Sir Tulaga Manuella GCMG MBE Governor General of Tuvalu 1996 88Sir John Coles GCMG Permanent Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 1997 87Dame Pearlette Louisy GCSL GCMG DStJ Governor General of Saint Lucia 1999 78Sir Andrew Wood GCMG Ambassador to Russia and Ambassador to Yugoslavia 2001 85Sir John Goulden GCMG Permanent Representative to the Western European Union Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Council and Ambassador to Turkey 83John Kerr Baron Kerr of Kinlochard GCMG Permanent Under Secretary of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ambassador to the United States 82Sir Tomasi Puapua GCMG KBE PC Governor General of Tuvalu and Prime Minister of Tuvalu 2002 86Sir David Wright GCMG LVO Ambassador to Japan and Ambassador to South Korea 80Sir Jeremy Greenstock GCMG Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations 2003 81Sir Rob Young GCMG High Commissioner to India 79George Robertson Baron Robertson of Port Ellen KT GCMG PC FRSA FRSE Secretary General of NATO 2004 78Sir Stephen Wall GCMG LVO Permanent Representative to the European Union and Ambassador to Portugal 77 78Sir Nathaniel Waena GCMG KStJ CSI Governor General of the Solomon Islands 2005 79Michael Jay Baron Jay of Ewelme GCMG Permanent Under Secretary of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ambassador to France 2006 78Sir Emyr Jones Parry GCMG FInstP FLSW Permanent Representiative to the United Nations Security Council and Permanent Representative to NATO 2007 77Sir Kenneth Hall ON GCMG OJ Governor General of Jamaica 83Dame Louise Lake Tack GCMG DStJ DGN DNH GCH OM Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda 80Sir David Manning GCMG KCVO Ambassador to the United States Permanent Representative on the North Atlantic Council and Ambassador to Israel 2008 75Sir Patrick Allen ON GCMG KStJ CD Governor General of Jamaica 2009 74Sir Frank Kabui GCMG OBE KStJ CSI Governor General of the Solomon Islands 78Sir Arthur Foulkes ON GCMG Governor General of The Bahamas and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom 2010 96Sir Iakoba Italeli GCMG Governor General of Tuvalu and Attorney General of TuvaluPeter Ricketts Baron Ricketts GCMG GCVO National Security Adviser and Permanent Under Secretary of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office 2011 72Sir Nigel Sheinwald GCMG Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the European Union 71Sir Elliott Belgrave GCMG KStJ KA CHB SC Governor General of Barbados 2012 93Dame Cecile La Grenade GCMG OBE DStJ Governor General of Grenada 72Sir Edmund Lawrence GCMG OBE CSM JP Governor General of Saint Kitts and Nevis 92Dame Marguerite Pindling ON GCMG Governor General of The Bahamas 2014 92Sir Rodney Williams GCMG KStJ KGN KNH GCH GCM Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda 77Catherine Ashton Baroness Ashton of Upholland LG GCMG PC First Vice President of the European Commission and European Commissioner for Trade 2015 68Sir John Sawers GCMG FRUSI Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service and Permanent Representative to the United Nations 69Sir Simon Fraser GCMG Permanent Under Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 2016 66Sir Peter Westmacott GCMG LVO Ambassador to the United States Ambassador to France and Ambassador to Turkey 74Sir Robert Dadae GCL GCMG KStJ Governor General of Papua New Guinea 2017 63Dame Sandra Mason FB GCMG KStJ DA SC Governor General of Barbados 76Sir Mark Lyall Grant GCMG National Security Adviser and Permanent Representative to the United Nations 2018 68Sir Neville Cenac GCSL GCMG Governor General of Saint Lucia 85Sir Cornelius Smith ON GCMG Governor General of The Bahamas 2019 87Sir David Vunagi GCMG Governor General of the Solomon Islands and Archbishop of Melanesia 73Dame Susan Dougan GCMG OBE Governor General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2020 69Sir David Attenborough OM GCMG CH CVO CBE FRS FSA FRSA FLS FZS FRSGS FRSB Television broadcaster and conservationist 98Sir Tim Barrow GCMG LVO MBE Ambassador to the European Union Ambassador to Russia and Ambassador to Ukraine 60Sir Julian King GCMG KCVO European Commissioner for the Security Union Ambassador to France and Ambassador to Ireland 60Simon McDonald Baron McDonald of Salford GCMG KCVO Permanent Under Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Ambassador to Germany and Ambassador to Israel 2021 63Dame Froyla Tzalam GCMG Governor General of Belize 2022Sir Iain Macleod GCMG Legal Adviser to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development OfficeSir Tofiga Vaevalu Falani GCMG MBE Governor General of TuvaluMark Sedwill Lord Sedwill GCMG PC FRGS Cabinet Secretary Head of the Home Civil Service and National Security Adviser 60Dame Marcella Liburd GCMG JP Governor General of Saint Kitts and Nevis 2023 71Sir Simon Gass GCMG CVO Chair of the Joint Intelligence Committee and Ambassador to Iran 68Dame Cynthia Pratt ON GCMG CB CD JP Governor General of The Bahamas 79Sir Stephen Lovegrove GCMG KCB National Security Adviser and Permanent Under Secretary of State for Defence 2024 58Honorary Knights and Dames Grand Cross and Commander See List of current honorary knights and dames of the Order of St Michael and St George Officers Prelate David Urquhart KCMG former Bishop of Birmingham Chancellor Catherine Ashton Baroness Ashton of Upholland LG GCMG PC Secretary Sir Philip Barton KCMG OBE Registrar Sir David Manning GCMG KCVO King of Arms Sir Mark Lyall Grant GCMG Lady Usher of the Blue Rod Dame DeAnne Julius DCMG CBEGalleryCompanion class of the order with the wearer s instruction guide CMG class in a case Reverse of a CMG badge showing Saint George Riband badge and star of a GCMG worn by John Buchan 1st Baron Tweedsmuir Obverse of the CMG badge showing Saint Michael CMG class of the Order of St Michael amp St George by Spink amp Son CMG in a case by Spink Companion of the Order of St Michael amp St George CMG in a case by Spink Riband worn incorrectly star and collar of GCMG worn by Francis Grenfell 1st Baron Grenfell A Seychellois stamp depicting Elizabeth II in robes of the order 1986 Star and collar of GCMG worn by Serbian Field Marshal Zivojin Misic CMG set Set of the Companion class GCMG breast star Companion class on a neck riband CMG class of the order Prince Edward Duke of Kent Grand Master of the Order and Katharine Duchess of Kent The GCMG set of former Dutch Prime Minister Willem Drees Miniature of the order KCMG breast star See alsoList of people who have declined a British honour Order of the Bath Order of the British Empire Order of the Garter Order of the Thistle Royal Victorian Order Russian Order of St GeorgeNotesIt is commonly written without of the Most Distinguished Order and other words not implied by the post nominals ReferencesDuckers Peter 2009 2004 British Orders and Decorations Oxford Shire Publications pp 26 27 ISBN 978 0 7478 0580 9 OCLC 55587484 The Royal Household 2009 Order of St Michael and St George The Official Website of the British Monarchy London Crown Copyright Archived from the original on 27 February 2009 Retrieved 25 April 2016 Townsend Francis 1828 Calendar of Knights William Pickering p 206 Knights Knighthoods Geni Archived from the original on 2 August 2016 Retrieved 30 June 2017 Limerick Sylvia 23 June 1993 Obituary Evelyn Bark The Independent Archived from the original on 26 April 2023 No 27785 The London Gazette 18 April 1905 p 2886 Desmond Allen 25 June 2020 GG rejects racist emblem Jamaica Observer Archived from the original on 16 September 2021 Retrieved 16 March 2021 Joseph Netto Leah Asmelash 27 June 2020 Jamaica s governor general suspends personal use of royal insignia over offending image CNN Retrieved 28 June 2020 Kate Chappel 30 June 2020 Jamaica suspends use of British royal insignia after anti racism protests Reuters Retrieved 16 March 2021 Tom Ball Michael Palin calls for redesign of offensive knighthood medal The Times Retrieved 16 March 2021 Middleton Lucy 2 July 2020 Recipients of Queen s racist honour can swap medal for updated design Metro co uk Retrieved 5 May 2023 Henry POOLE 1873 1928 Tate Britain retrieved 1 October 2009 Cross Colin 1968 The Fall of the British Empire London Book Club Associates No 63571 The London Gazette Supplement 1 January 2022 p N3 Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood Honours and Awards The Gazette Archived from the original on 5 December 2022 Further readingThe Order of St Michael and St George 1818 to 2018 part one its first century by Russell Malloch London The Stationery Office 2018 at thegazette co uk The Order of St Michael and St George 1818 to 2018 part two its second century by Russell Malloch London The Stationery Office 2018 at thegazette co uk Knighthood and Chivalry 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica 11th ed London Cambridge University Press Orans L P The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George Velde F R 2003 Order of Precedence in England and Wales State Library of New South Wales Nelson Meers Foundation Archived 15 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine gallery to full set of insignia including images of both sides of the badge and a close up of the star External linksWikimedia Commons has media related to Order of St Michael and St George category Order of St Michael and St George Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood The Order of St Michael and St George Royal Household website Order of St Michael and St George UK Cabinet Office The British honours system UK Government