Order of Saint Michael and Saint George

Also known as Order of St. Michael and St. George, Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George, Order of St Michael and St George

series of appointments of an order of chivalry of the United Kingdom

Key facts

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: Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GCMG) Knight/Dame Commander (KCMG/DCMG) Companion (CMG)
Next higher: Order of the Star of India

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Article

Knight Commander, KCMG insignia 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.

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.