# Order of the Bath > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Order_of_the_Bath > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Order_of_the_Bath.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Bath > Source revision: 1355354431 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) British order of chivalry established in 1725 Most Honourable Order of the Bath Badge of the Order of the Bath (Civil Division) Awarded by the monarch of the United Kingdom Type Order of chivalry Established 18 May 1725; 301 years ago (1725-05-18) Country United Kingdom Motto Tria juncta in uno ('Three joined in one') (Civil Division) Ich dien ('I serve') (Military Division) Awarded for Service to the Crown Status Currently constituted Founder George I Sovereign Charles III Great Master William, Prince of Wales Grades Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GCB) Knight/Dame Commander (KCB/DCB) Companion (CB) Former grades Knight Companion (KB) Precedence Next (higher) Order of St Patrick Next (lower) Order of the Star of India Order of the Bath ribbon bar Coat of arms of the British monarch as sovereign of the Order of the Bath The **Most Honourable Order of the Bath**[1] is a British [order of chivalry](/source/Order_of_chivalry) founded by King [George I](/source/George_I_of_Great_Britain) on 18 May 1725.[2] Recipients of the Order are usually senior [military](/source/British_Armed_Forces) officers or senior [civil servants](/source/Civil_Service_(United_Kingdom)), and the monarch awards it on the advice of His Majesty's Government.[3][4] The name derives from an elaborate [medieval](/source/Medieval) [ceremony](/source/Ceremony) for preparing a candidate to receive his [knighthood](/source/Knight), of which ritual [bathing](/source/Bathing) (as a symbol of [purification](/source/Ritual_purification)) was an element. While not all knights went through such an elaborate ceremony, knights so created were known as "knights of the Bath".[5] George I constituted the Knights of the Bath as a regular [military order](/source/Order_(honour)).[6] He did not revive the order,[7] which did not previously exist, in the sense of a body of knights governed by a set of statutes and whose numbers were replenished when vacancies occurred.[8][9] The Order consists of the [Sovereign of the United Kingdom](/source/Sovereign_of_the_United_Kingdom) (currently King [Charles III](/source/Charles_III)), the [Great Master](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Great_Masters_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath) (currently [William, Prince of Wales](/source/William%2C_Prince_of_Wales)), and three Classes of members:[10] - Knight Grand Cross ([GCB](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Knights_Grand_Cross_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath)) *or* Dame Grand Cross ([GCB](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Dames_Grand_Cross_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath)); - Knight Commander ([KCB](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Knights_Commander_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath)) *or* Dame Commander ([DCB](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Dames_Commander_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath)); and - Companion ([CB](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Companions_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath)). Members belong to either the Civil Division or the Military Division.[11] Knight Companion (KB), the order's only class prior to 1815, is no longer an option.[12] [Commonwealth](/source/Commonwealth_of_Nations) citizens who are not subjects of the British monarch and foreign nationals may be made honorary members.[13] The Order of the Bath is the fourth most senior of the [British orders of chivalry](/source/British_honours_system#Current_orders_of_chivalry), after the [Order of the Garter](/source/Order_of_the_Garter), the [Order of the Thistle](/source/Order_of_the_Thistle), and the (dormant) [Order of St Patrick](/source/Order_of_St_Patrick).[14] ## History ### Knights of the Bath [Mildmay Fane, 2nd Earl of Westmorland](/source/Mildmay_Fane%2C_2nd_Earl_of_Westmorland), KB, with sash, c. 1630 In the [Middle Ages](/source/Middle_Ages), a [knighthood](/source/Knighthood) was often conferred with elaborate ceremonies. These usually involved the knight-to-be taking a bath (possibly symbolic of spiritual [purification](/source/Ritual_purification)),[15] during which he was instructed in the duties of knighthood by more senior knights. He was then put to bed to dry. Clothed in a special robe, he was led with music to the chapel where he spent the night in a [vigil](/source/Vigil). At dawn, he made [confession](/source/Confession_(religion)) and attended [Mass](/source/Mass_(liturgy)), then retired to his bed to sleep until it was fully daylight. He was then brought before the King, who after instructing two senior knights to buckle the [spurs](/source/Spur) to the knight-elect's heels, fastened a belt around his waist, then struck him on the neck (with either a hand or a [sword](/source/Sword)), thus making him a knight.[16] It was this [accolade](/source/Accolade) which was the essential act in creating a knight, and a simpler ceremony developed, conferring knighthood merely by striking or touching the knight-to-be on the shoulder with a sword,[17] or 'dubbing' him, as is still done today. In the early [medieval](/source/Medieval) period, the difference seems to have been that the full ceremonies were used for men from more prominent families.[15] From the [coronation](/source/Coronation_of_the_British_monarch) of [Henry IV](/source/Henry_IV_of_England) in 1399, the full ceremonies were restricted to major royal occasions, such as coronations, investitures of the [Prince of Wales](/source/Prince_of_Wales) or [royal dukes](/source/Royal_duke), and royal weddings,[18] and the knights so created became known as *Knights of the Bath*.[15] [Knights Bachelor](/source/Knight_Bachelor) continued to be created with the simpler form of ceremony. The last occasion on which Knights of the Bath were created was the coronation of [Charles II](/source/Charles_II_of_England) in 1661.[19] From at least 1625,[20] and possibly from the reign of [James I](/source/James_VI_and_I), Knights of the Bath were using the [motto](/source/Motto) *Tria juncta in uno* ([Latin](/source/Latin) for 'Three joined in one'), and wearing as a badge three crowns within a plain gold oval.[21] These were both subsequently adopted by the Order of the Bath; a similar design of badge is still worn by members of the Civil Division. Their symbolism however is not entirely clear. The 'three joined in one' may be a reference to the kingdoms of [England](/source/Kingdom_of_England), [Scotland](/source/Kingdom_of_Scotland), and either [France](/source/Kingdom_of_France) or [Ireland](/source/Kingdom_of_Ireland), which were held (or [claimed in the case of France](/source/English_claims_to_the_French_throne)) by English and, later, British monarchs. This would correspond to the three crowns in the badge.[22] Another explanation of the motto is that it refers to the [Holy Trinity](/source/Holy_Trinity).[3] Nicolas quotes a source (although he is sceptical of it) who claims that prior to James I the motto was *Tria numina juncta in uno* (three powers/gods joined in one), but from the reign of James I, the word *numina* was dropped, and the motto understood to mean *Tria [regna] juncta in uno* (three kingdoms joined in one).[23] ### Foundation of the order The prime mover in the establishment of the Order of the Bath was [John Anstis](/source/John_Anstis), [Garter King of Arms](/source/Garter_Principal_King_of_Arms), England's highest [heraldic](/source/Heraldry) officer. [Robert Walpole](/source/Robert_Walpole), the de facto head of His Majesty's government, was also eager to have the Order created to reduce the [Duke of Montagu](/source/John_Montagu%2C_2nd_Duke_of_Montagu)'s financial claims on the government for a failed attempt at colonial expansion. Thus, allowing Montagu to become the Order's first Great Master, would encourage him to lay aside, or at least modify, his immense financial claim on the government.[24] Sir [Anthony Wagner](/source/Anthony_Wagner), a more recent holder of the office of Garter King of Arms (1961–1978),[25] wrote of Anstis's motivations: It was Martin Leake's[26] opinion that the trouble and opposition Anstis met with in establishing himself as Garter [King of Arms] so embittered him against the [heralds](/source/Herald) that when at last in 1718 he succeeded, he made it his prime object to aggrandise himself and his office at their expense. It is clear at least that he set out to make himself indispensable to the [Earl Marshal](/source/Earl_Marshal), which was not hard, their political principles being congruous and their friendship already established, but also to Sir [Robert Walpole](/source/Robert_Walpole) and the [Whig](/source/British_Whig_Party) ministry, which can by no means have been easy, considering his known attachment to the [Pretender](/source/James_Francis_Edward_Stuart) and the circumstances under which he came into office. ... The main object of Anstis's next move, the revival or institution of the Order of the Bath was probably that which it in fact secured, of ingratiating him with the all-powerful [Prime Minister](/source/Prime_Minister_of_Great_Britain) Sir Robert Walpole.[27] Sir [Robert Walpole](/source/Robert_Walpole), who as [Prime Minister](/source/Prime_Minister_of_Great_Britain) used the Order for political patronage The use of honours in the early eighteenth century differed considerably from the modern [honours system](/source/British_honours_system), in which hundreds, if not thousands, of people each year receive honours on the basis of deserving accomplishments. The only honours available at that time were hereditary (not life) [peerages](/source/Peerage) and [baronetcies](/source/Baronet), [knighthoods](/source/Knighthoods), and the Order of the Garter (or the [Order of the Thistle](/source/Order_of_the_Thistle) for Scots), none of which were awarded in large numbers (the Garter and the Thistle are limited to twenty-four and sixteen living members respectively). The political environment was also significantly different from today: The Sovereign still exercised a power to be reckoned with in the eighteenth century. The Court remained the centre of the political world. The King was limited in that he had to choose Ministers who could command a majority in [Parliament](/source/Parliament_of_Great_Britain), but the choice remained his. The leader of an administration still had to command the King's personal confidence and approval. A strong following in Parliament depended on being able to supply places, pensions, and other marks of Royal favour to the government's supporters.[28] [Admiral](/source/Admiral_(Royal_Navy)) [Lord Rodney](/source/George_Rodney%2C_1st_Baron_Rodney) (appointed a Knight Companion in 1780) wearing the riband and star of the Order The attraction of the new Order for Walpole was that it would provide a source of such favours to strengthen his political position. He made sure that most of the 36 new honorees were [peers](/source/Peerages_in_the_United_Kingdom) and MPs who would provide him with useful connections.[29] Crucially, roughly half of the founder-knights were descendants of 17th century knights of the bath.[30][31] George I having agreed to Walpole's proposal, Anstis was commissioned to draft statutes for the Order of the Bath. Early proposals for admit any man were dropped and Anstis included the traditional definition of a gentlemen for non-noble knights was included in the statutes, proof of ‘noble ancestry’ by which was meant [armigerous](/source/Heraldry) birth of at least three generations on both paternal and maternal sides.[32] As noted above, he adopted the motto and badge used by the Knights of the Bath, as well as the colour of the [riband](/source/Riband) and [mantle](/source/Mantle_(clothing)), and the ceremony for creating a knight. The rest of the statutes were mostly based on those of the Order of the Garter, of which he was an officer (as Garter King of Arms).[33] The Order was founded by [letters patent](/source/Letters_patent) under the [Great Seal](/source/Great_Seal_of_the_Realm) dated 18 May 1725; 301 years ago (1725-05-18), and the statutes issued the following week.[34][35] The Order initially consisted of the Sovereign, a Prince of the blood Royal as Principal Knight, a Great Master, and thirty-five Knights Companion.[36] Seven officers (see below) were attached to the Order. These provided yet another opportunity for political patronage, as they were to be [sinecures](/source/Sinecure) at the disposal of the Great Master, supported by fees from the knights. Despite the fact that the Bath was represented as a military Order, only a few military officers were among the initial appointments (see [List of knights companion of the Order of the Bath](/source/List_of_knights_companion_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath)). They may be broken down into categories as follows (some are classified in more than one category):[37] - Members of the [House of Commons](/source/British_House_of_Commons): 14 - The [Royal Household](/source/Royal_Household) or sinecures: 11 - Diplomats: 4 - The Walpole family, including the Prime Minister: 3 - Naval and Army officers: 3 - Irish peers: 2 - Country gentlemen with Court appointments: 2 [Admiral of the Fleet](/source/Admiral_of_the_Fleet_(Royal_Navy)) Sir [George Callaghan](/source/George_Callaghan) wearing the insignia of a military Companion of the Order The majority of the new Knights Companions were knighted by the King, and invested with their ribands and badges on 27 May 1725.[38] Although the statutes set out the full medieval ceremony which was to be used for creating knights, this was not performed, and indeed, was possibly never intended to be, as the original statutes contained a provision[39] allowing the Great Master to dispense Knights Companion from these requirements. The original knights were dispensed from all the medieval ceremonies with the exception of the Installation, which was performed in the Order's Chapel, the [Henry VII Chapel](/source/Henry_VII_Lady_Chapel) in [Westminster Abbey](/source/Westminster_Abbey), on 17 June. This precedent was followed until 1812, after which the Installation was also dispensed with, until its revival in the twentieth century.[40] The ceremonies however remained part of the Statutes until 1847.[41] Although the initial appointments to the Order were largely political, from the 1770s, appointments to the Order were increasingly made for non-aristocratic [naval](/source/Royal_Navy), [military](/source/British_Army), or [diplomatic](/source/His_Majesty's_Diplomatic_Service) achievements. This is partly due to the conflicts Britain was engaged in over this period.[19][42] The [Peninsular War](/source/Peninsular_War) resulted in so many deserving candidates for the Bath, that a statute was issued allowing the appointment of *Extra Knights* in time of war, who were to be additional to the numerical limits imposed by the statutes, and whose number was not subject to any restrictions.[43] Another statute, this one issued some 80 years earlier, had also added a military note to the Order. Each knight was required, under certain circumstances, to supply and support four [men-at-arms](/source/Men-at-arms) for a period not exceeding 42 days in any year, to serve in any part of Great Britain.[44] This company was to be captained by the Great Master, who had to supply four [trumpeters](/source/Trumpeter), and was also to appoint eight officers for this body. However, the statute was never invoked.[38] ### Restructuring in 1815 In January 1815, after the end of the [Peninsular War](/source/Peninsular_War), the Prince Regent (later [George IV](/source/George_IV)) expanded the Order of the Bath to the end that those Officers who have had the opportunities of signalising themselves by eminent services during the late war may share in the honours of the said Order, and that their names may be delivered down to remote posterity, accompanied by the marks of distinction which they have so nobly earned.[12] The Order was now to consist of three classes: Knights Grand Cross, Knights Commander, and Companions. At the same time, the large and small [Naval Gold Medals](/source/Naval_Gold_Medal) were suspended, while the bearers became Knights Commander and Companions, respectively. The existing Knights Companion (of which there were 60)[45] became Knight Grand Cross; this class was limited to 72 members, of which twelve could be appointed for civil or diplomatic services. The military members had to be of the rank of at least [major-general](/source/Major-general) or [rear admiral](/source/Rear_admiral). The Knights Commander were limited to 180, exclusive of foreign nationals holding British commissions, up to ten of whom could be appointed as honorary Knights Commander. They had to be of the rank of [lieutenant-colonel](/source/Lieutenant_colonel) or [post-captain](/source/Post-captain). The number of Companions was not specified, but they had to have received a [medal](/source/Medal) or been [mentioned in despatches](/source/Mentioned_in_despatches) since the start of the war in 1803. A list of about 500 names was subsequently published.[46] Two further officers were appointed, an 'Officer of arms attendant on the Knights Commanders and Companions', and a 'Secretary appertaining to the Knights Commanders and Companions'.[12] The large increase in numbers caused some complaints that such an expansion would reduce the prestige of the Order.[3] ### Victorian era Sir [Alexander Milne](/source/Sir_Alexander_Milne%2C_1st_Baronet) (1808–1896) was concurrently KCB (civil division) and GCB (military division); he is pictured wearing both sets of insignia. In 1847, [Queen Victoria](/source/Queen_Victoria) issued new statutes eliminating all references to an exclusively military Order. As well as removing the word 'Military' from the full name of the Order, this opened up the grades of Knight Commander and Companion to civil appointments, and the Military and Civil Divisions of the Order were established. New numerical limits were imposed, and the opportunity also taken to regularise the 1815 expansion of the Order.[47][48] The 1847 statutes also abolished all the medieval ritual, but they did introduce a formal [Investiture](/source/Investiture) ceremony, conducted by the Sovereign wearing the Mantle and insignia of the Order, attended by the Officers and as many GCBs as possible, in their Mantles.[49] In 1850, a special statute authorised appointments of Knight Commander and Companion, in the Military Division, to [Commissariat](/source/Commissariat#British_Army) and [Medical officers](/source/Military_medicine) serving with the [Army](/source/Royal_Army_Medical_Corps) and [Navy](/source/Royal_Navy_Medical_Service), including those serving with the [East India Company](/source/Indian_Medical_Service).[50] In 1859, a further edition of the Statutes was issued; the changes related mainly to the costs[*[further explanation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Please_clarify)*] associated with the Order. Prior to this date, it had been the policy that the insignia (which were provided by the Crown) were to be returned on the death of the holder; the exception had been foreigners who had been awarded honorary membership. In addition, foreigners had usually been provided with stars made of silver and diamonds, whereas ordinary members had only [embroidered](/source/Embroidery) stars. The decision was made to award silver stars to all members, and only require the return of the [Collar](/source/Collar_(order)). The Crown had also been paying the fees due to the officers of the Order for members who had been appointed for the services in the recent war. The fees were abolished, and replaced with a salary of approximately the same average value. The offices of Genealogist and Messenger were abolished, and those of Registrar and Secretary combined.[51] ### Contemporary era [Air Chief Marshal](/source/Air_chief_marshal) Sir [Richard Johns](/source/Richard_Johns) in his service dress uniform, wearing the star, riband, and badge of a military Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath In 1910, after his accession to the throne, [George V](/source/George_V) ordered the revival of the Installation ceremony,[19] perhaps prompted by the first Installation ceremony of the more junior [Order of St Michael and St George](/source/Order_of_St_Michael_and_St_George), held a few years earlier,[52] and the building of a new chapel for the Order of the Thistle in 1911.[53] The Installation ceremony took place on 22 July 1913 in the [Henry VII Chapel](/source/Henry_VII_Chapel),[54][55] and Installations have been held at regular intervals since. Prior to the 1913 Installation, it was necessary to adapt the chapel to accommodate the larger number of members. An appeal was made to the members of the Order, and following the Installation a surplus remained. A Committee was formed from the Officers to administer the 'Bath Chapel Fund', and over time this committee has come to consider other matters than purely financial ones.[56] Another revision of the statutes of the Order was undertaken in 1925, to consolidate the 41 additional statutes which had been issued since the 1859 revision.[57] Women were admitted to the Order in 1971.[19] In the 1971 [New Year Honours](/source/New_Year_Honours), [Jean Nunn](/source/Jean_Nunn) became the first woman admitted to the order.[58] In 1975, [Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester](/source/Princess_Alice%2C_Duchess_of_Gloucester), an aunt of [Elizabeth II](/source/Elizabeth_II), became the first woman to reach the highest rank, Dame Grand Cross.[19] Princess Alice (née Douglas-Montagu-Scott) was a direct descendant of the Order's first Great Master,[59] and her husband, who had died the previous year, had also held that office. The second Dame Grand Cross, [Sally Davies](/source/Sally_Davies_(doctor)), was appointed in the [2020 New Year Honours](/source/2020_New_Year_Honours).[60][61] ## Composition ### Sovereign The [British Sovereign](/source/British_monarchy) is the Sovereign of the Order of the Bath. As with all honours, except those in the Sovereign's personal gift,[a] the Sovereign makes all appointments to the Order on the advice of the [Government](/source/Government_of_the_United_Kingdom). ### Great Master [Prince Albert](/source/Albert%2C_Prince_Consort), the Prince Consort, Great Master 1843–1861. During the 19th century, Knights Grand Cross wore their [mantles](/source/Robe) over imitations of 17th-century dress. They now wear them over contemporary attire. The next-most senior member of the Order is the Great Master, of which there have been ten: - 1725–1749 – [John Montagu, 2nd Duke of Montagu](/source/John_Montagu%2C_2nd_Duke_of_Montagu)[63][64] - 1749–1767 – *vacant* - 1767–1827 – [Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany](/source/Prince_Frederick%2C_Duke_of_York_and_Albany) - 1827–1830 – [Prince William, Duke of Clarence and St Andrews](/source/William_IV) (later King William IV) - 1830–1837 – *vacant* - 1837–1843 – [Prince Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex](/source/Prince_Augustus_Frederick%2C_Duke_of_Sussex)[65][66] - 1843–1861 – [Albert, Prince Consort](/source/Albert%2C_Prince_Consort)[67][68] - 1861–1897 – *vacant* - 1897–1901 – [Albert Edward, Prince of Wales](/source/Edward_VII) (later King Edward VII)[69][70] - 1901–1942 – [Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn](/source/Prince_Arthur%2C_Duke_of_Connaught_and_Strathearn)[71] - 1942–1974 – [Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester](/source/Prince_Henry%2C_Duke_of_Gloucester)[72] - 1974–2022 – [Charles, Prince of Wales](/source/Charles_III) (later King Charles III)[73] - 2022–2024 – *vacant* - 2024–present – [William, Prince of Wales](/source/William%2C_Prince_of_Wales)[74][75][76] Originally a Prince of the Blood Royal, as the Principal Knight Companion, ranked next after the sovereign.[77] This position was joined to that of the Great Master in the statutes of 1847.[78] The Great Master and Principal Knight is now either a descendant of George I or 'some other exalted personage'; the holder of the office has custody of the [seal](/source/Seal_(emblem)) of the order and is responsible for enforcing the statutes.[11] ### Members Sash and star of Grand Cross, civil division The statutes also provide for the following:[19] - 120 Knights or Dames Grand Cross (GCB) (of whom the Great Master is the First and Principal); - 355 Knights Commander (KCB) or Dames Commander (DCB); and - 1,925 Companions (CB). Regular membership is limited to citizens of the United Kingdom and of other Commonwealth countries of which the British monarch is Sovereign. Appointees are usually officers of the armed forces or senior civil servants, such as [permanent secretaries](/source/Permanent_secretary#United_Kingdom).[3] Warrant appointing Italian captain (later admiral) [Ernesto Burzagli](/source/Ernesto_Burzagli) as an honorary Companion of the Order Members appointed to the Civil Division must "by their personal services to [the] crown or by the performance of public duties have merited ... royal favour."[79] Appointments to the Military Division are restricted by the minimum [rank](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Military_ranks_of_the_United_Kingdom) of the individual. GCBs hold the rank of [admiral](/source/Admiral_(Royal_Navy)) in the Royal Navy, [general](/source/General_(United_Kingdom)) in the [British Army](/source/British_Army) or [Royal Marines](/source/Royal_Marines), or [air chief marshal](/source/Air_chief_marshal) in the [Royal Air Force](/source/Royal_Air_Force).[13] KCBs must at least hold the rank of [vice admiral](/source/Vice_admiral_(Royal_Navy)), [lieutenant general](/source/Lieutenant-general_(United_Kingdom)) in the Army or Marines, or [air marshal](/source/Air_marshal).[80] CBs tend be of the rank of [rear admiral](/source/Rear_admiral_(Royal_Navy)), [major general](/source/Major-general_(United_Kingdom)) in the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Marines, or [air vice marshal](/source/Air_vice_marshal) in the Royal Air Force, and in addition must have been [Mentioned in Despatches](/source/Mentioned_in_Despatches) for distinction in a command position in a combat situation, although the latter is no longer a requirement. Non-line officers (e.g. [engineers](/source/Engineer_officer), medics) may be appointed only for meritorious service in wartime.[81] Admiral [Sir George Zambellas](/source/George_Zambellas) KCB (military division) Commonwealth citizens not subjects of the British monarch and foreigners may be made honorary members.[82] Queen Elizabeth II established the custom of appointing visiting (republican) heads of state honorary GCBs, for example [Gustav Heinemann](/source/Gustav_Heinemann) and [Josip Broz Tito](/source/Josip_Broz_Tito) (in 1972),[83] [Ronald Reagan](/source/Ronald_Reagan) (in 1989), [Lech Wałęsa](/source/Lech_Wa%C5%82%C4%99sa) (in 1991),[19] [Censu Tabone](/source/Censu_Tabone) (in 1992), [Fernando Henrique Cardoso](/source/Fernando_Henrique_Cardoso), [George H. W. Bush](/source/George_H._W._Bush) (in 1993),[84] [Nicolas Sarkozy](/source/Nicolas_Sarkozy) (in 2008),[85] and [Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono](/source/Susilo_Bambang_Yudhoyono) (in 2012), as well as Turkish President [Abdullah Gül](/source/Abdullah_G%C3%BCl),[86] Slovenian President [Danilo Türk](/source/Danilo_T%C3%BCrk),[87] Mexican President [Felipe Calderón](/source/Felipe_Calder%C3%B3n), and South African President [Jacob Zuma](/source/Jacob_Zuma)[88] (royal heads of state are instead usually made [Stranger Knights and Ladies Companion](/source/Order_of_the_Garter#Supernumerary_members) of the [Order of the Garter](/source/Order_of_the_Garter)). Foreign generals are also often given honorary appointments to the Order, for example: Marshal [Ferdinand Foch](/source/Ferdinand_Foch) and Marshal [Joseph Joffre](/source/Joseph_Joffre) during the [First World War](/source/First_World_War); Marshal [Georgy Zhukov](/source/Georgy_Zhukov),[89] [King Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia](/source/King_Abdul-Aziz_of_Saudi_Arabia), General [Dwight D. Eisenhower](/source/Dwight_D._Eisenhower), General [George C. Marshall](/source/George_C._Marshall), General [Douglas MacArthur](/source/Douglas_MacArthur), General [George S. Patton Jr.](/source/George_S._Patton_Jr.) during the [Second World War](/source/Second_World_War);[90] and General [Norman Schwarzkopf](/source/Norman_Schwarzkopf) and General [Colin Powell](/source/Colin_Powell) after the [Gulf War](/source/Gulf_War).[91][92] A more controversial member of the Order was [Robert Mugabe](/source/Robert_Mugabe), whose honour was stripped by the Queen, on the advice of the [Foreign Secretary](/source/Foreign_Secretary_(United_Kingdom)), [David Miliband](/source/David_Miliband), on 25 June 2008 "as a mark of revulsion at the abuse of human rights and abject disregard for the democratic process in [Zimbabwe](/source/Zimbabwe) over which President Mugabe has presided."[93] Honorary members do not count towards the numerical limits in each class.[94] In addition, the statutes allow the Sovereign to exceed the limits in time of war or other exceptional circumstances.[95] ### Officers The office of Dean is held by the [Dean of Westminster](/source/Dean_of_Westminster). The King of Arms, responsible for [heraldry](/source/Heraldry), is known as Bath King of Arms; he is not, however, a member of the [College of Arms](/source/College_of_Arms), like many heralds. The Order's Usher is known as the [Gentleman Usher of the Scarlet Rod](/source/Gentleman_Usher_of_the_Scarlet_Rod); he does not, unlike his Order of the Garter equivalent (the Gentleman Usher of the [Black Rod](/source/Black_Rod)) perform any duties in the [House of Lords](/source/House_of_Lords).[96] There were originally seven officers, each of whom was to receive fees from the Knights Companion both on appointment, and annually thereafter. The office of Messenger was abolished in 1859.[51] The office of Genealogist was abolished at the same time, but revived in 1913.[97] The offices of Registrar and Secretary were formally merged in 1859, although the two positions had been held concurrently for the previous century.[98] An Officer of Arms and a Secretary for the Knights Commander and Companions were established in 1815,[12] but abolished in 1847.[99] The office of Deputy Secretary was created in 1925.[100] Under the Hanoverian kings, certain of the officers also held heraldic office. The office of [Blanc Coursier Herald](/source/Blanc_Coursier_Herald) of Arms was attached to that of the Genealogist, [Brunswick Herald of Arms](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brunswick_Herald_of_Arms&action=edit&redlink=1) to the Gentleman Usher, and Bath King of Arms was also made [Gloucester King of Arms](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gloucester_King_of_Arms&action=edit&redlink=1) with heraldic jurisdiction over Wales.[101] This was the result of a move by Anstis to give the holders of these sinecures greater security; the offices of the Order of the Bath were held at the pleasure of the Great Master, while appointments to the heraldic offices were made by the King under the Great Seal and were for life.[102] ## Habit and insignia An embroidered representation, or "chaton", of the star of the civil division of the Order The insignia of a Knight Grand Cross of the civil division of the order Mantle of the Order The insignia of a Knight Grand Cross of the military division of the order Star and neck badge of a Knight Commander of the civil division of the order Members of the Order wear elaborate uniforms on important occasions (such as its quadrennial installation ceremonies and [coronations](/source/Coronation_of_the_British_monarch)), which vary by rank: The *mantle*, worn only by Knights and Dames Grand Cross, is made of [crimson](/source/Crimson) [satin](/source/Satin) lined with white [taffeta](/source/Taffeta). On the left side is a representation of the star (see below). The mantle is bound with two large tassels.[103] The *hat*, worn only by Knights and Dames Grand Cross and Knights and Dames Commander, is made of black [velvet](/source/Velvet); it includes an upright plume of [feathers](/source/Feather).[104] The *collar*, worn only by Knights and Dames Grand Cross, is made of gold and weighs 30 [troy ounces](/source/Troy_ounce) (933 g). It consists of depictions of nine imperial crowns and eight sets of flowers ([roses](/source/Rose) for England, [thistles](/source/Thistle) for Scotland, and [shamrocks](/source/Shamrock) for Ireland), connected by seventeen silver knots.[103] On lesser occasions, simpler insignia are used: The *star* is used only by Knights and Dames Grand Cross and Knights and Dames Commander. Its style varies by rank and division; it is worn pinned to the left breast: The star for *military Knights and Dames Grand Cross* consists of a [Maltese Cross](/source/Maltese_Cross_(symbol)) on top of an eight-pointed silver star; the star for *military Knights and Dames Commander* is an eight-pointed silver cross pattée. Each bears in the centre three crowns surrounded by a red ring bearing the motto of the Order in gold letters. The circle is flanked by two [laurel](/source/Laurus_nobilis) [branches](/source/Laurel_wreath), and is above a scroll bearing the words *Ich dien* (older German for 'I serve') in gold letters.[103] Stylised versions of this are known as *Bath stars*, and are used as [epaulette](/source/Epaulette) pips to indicate [army officer ranks](/source/British_Army_officer_rank_insignia) and [police ranks](/source/Police_ranks_of_the_United_Kingdom) in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. The star for *civil Knights and Dames Grand Cross* consists of an eight-pointed silver star, *without* the Maltese cross; the star for *civil Knights and Dames Commander* is an eight-pointed silver cross pattée. The design of each is the same as the design of the military stars, except that the laurel branches and the words *Ich dien* are excluded.[103] The *badge* varies in design, size, and manner of wearing by rank and division. The Knight and Dame Grand Cross' badge is larger than the Knight and Dame Commander's badge, which is in turn larger than the Companion's badge;[105] however, these are all suspended on a crimson ribbon. Knights and Dames Grand Cross wear the badge on a riband or sash, passing from the right shoulder to the left hip.[103] Knights Commander and male Companions wear the badge from a ribbon worn around the neck. Dames Commander and female Companions wear the badge from a bow on the left side: The *military badge* is a gold [Maltese Cross](/source/Maltese_Cross) of eight points, enamelled in white. Each point of the cross is decorated by a small gold ball; each angle has a small figure of a lion. The centre of the cross bears three crowns on the obverse side, and a rose, a [thistle](/source/Thistle) and a [shamrock](/source/Shamrock), emanating from a [sceptre](/source/Sceptre) on the reverse side. Both emblems are surrounded by a red circular ring bearing the motto of the Order, which are in turn flanked by two laurel branches, above a scroll bearing the words *Ich dien* in gold letters.[103] The *civil badge* is a plain gold oval, bearing three crowns on the obverse side, and a rose, a [thistle](/source/Thistle) and a [shamrock](/source/Shamrock), emanating from a [sceptre](/source/Sceptre) on the reverse side; both emblems are surrounded by a ring bearing the motto of the Order.[103] On certain '[collar days](/source/Collar_day)' designated by the Sovereign, members attending formal events may wear the Order's collar over their military uniform or evening wear. When collars are worn (either on collar days or on formal occasions such as coronations), the badge is suspended from the collar.[103] The collars and badges of Knights and Dames Grand Cross are returned to the [Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood](/source/Central_Chancery_of_the_Orders_of_Knighthood) upon the decease of their owners. All other insignia may be retained by their owners.[103] - Drawing of a Star, GCB Military Division - Badge, Knight Grand Cross Military Division - Neck badge, awarded to Cecil Fane de Salis (1859–1948) in 1935 - Star, awarded to Cecil Fane de Salis - Star and neck Badge awarded to Sir Charles Taylor du Plat - Medal Ribbon of the Order of the Bath ## Chapel [Westminster Abbey](/source/Westminster_Abbey) with a procession of Knights of the Bath, by [Canaletto](/source/Canaletto), 1749 Banners of the senior Knights and Dames Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath in the [Henry VII Lady Chapel](/source/Henry_VII_Lady_Chapel) in Westminster Abbey The Chapel of the Order is the [Henry VII Lady Chapel](/source/Henry_VII_Lady_Chapel) in [Westminster Abbey](/source/Westminster_Abbey).[106] The Sovereign, Great Master, and the Knights and Dames Grand Cross are allotted [stalls](/source/Choir_stall) in the [choir](/source/Choir) of the chapel, above which their [heraldic devices](/source/Heraldic_device) are displayed. Every four years, an installation ceremony, presided over by the Great Master, and a religious service are held in the chapel. The last such service was on Friday 16 May 2025, and was presided over by the King and the Prince of Wales.[107] The Sovereign and each knight who has been installed is allotted a stall in the [choir](/source/Cathedral_diagram) of the chapel.[108] As there are a limited number of stalls in the chapel, only the most senior Knights and Dames Grand Cross are installed. A stall made vacant by the death of a military Knight Grand Cross is offered to the next most senior uninstalled military GCB, and similarly for vacancies among civil GCBs.[106] Waits between admission to the Order and installation may be very long; for instance, Marshal of the Air Force [David Craig, Baron Craig of Radley](/source/David_Craig%2C_Baron_Craig_of_Radley) was created a Knight Grand Cross in 1984, but was not installed until 2006.[19] Above each stall, the occupant's heraldic devices are displayed. Perched on the pinnacle of a knight's stall is his [helm](/source/Helmet_(heraldry)), decorated with a [mantling](/source/Mantling) and topped by his [crest](/source/Crest_(heraldry)). Under [English heraldic law](/source/Law_of_heraldic_arms#England_and_Wales), women other than monarchs do not bear helms or crests; instead, the [coronet](/source/Coronet) appropriate to the dame's rank (if she is a [peer](/source/Peerage_of_the_United_Kingdom) or member of [the Royal family](/source/British_royal_family)) is used.[106] Above the crest or coronet, the knight's or dame's heraldic [banner](/source/Banner) is hung, emblazoned with his or her [coat of arms](/source/Coat_of_arms). At a considerably smaller scale, to the back of the stall is affixed a piece of [brass](/source/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 (or coronet or crown) 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 now Dames) throughout history.[109] When the grade of Knight Commander was established in 1815, the regulations specified that they too should have a banner and stall plate affixed in the chapel.[12] This was never implemented (despite some of the KCBs paying the appropriate fees) primarily due to lack of space,[110] although the 1847 statutes allow all three classes to request the erection of a plate in the chapel bearing the member's name, date of nomination, and (for the two higher classes) optionally the coat of arms.[111] ## Privileges ### Precedence Coat of arms of the [Marquess of Carisbrooke](/source/Alexander_Mountbatten%2C_1st_Marquess_of_Carisbrooke) (1886–1960) with the circlet and collar as Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. Members of the Order of the Bath are assigned positions in the [order of precedence](/source/Order_of_precedence).[112] 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 Commander; relatives of female members, however, are not assigned any special precedence. Generally, individuals can derive precedence from their fathers or husbands, but not from their mothers or wives. (See [order of precedence in England and Wales](/source/Order_of_precedence_in_England_and_Wales) for the exact positions.) Knights Grand Cross and Knights Commander prefix '[Sir](/source/Sir)', and Dames Grand Cross and Dames Commander prefix '[Dame](/source/Dame)', to their forenames.[113] Wives of Knights may prefix '[Lady](/source/Lady)' to their surnames, but no equivalent privilege exists for husbands of Dames. Such forms are not used by [peers](/source/Peerage_of_the_United_Kingdom) and [princes](/source/Prince), except when the names of the former are written out in their fullest forms. Furthermore, honorary foreign members and [clergymen](/source/Clergyman) do not receive the accolade of knighthood, and so are not entitled to the prefix 'Sir', unless the former subsequently become citizens of a Commonwealth realm. Knights and Dames Grand Cross use the [post-nominal](/source/List_of_post-nominal_letters) GCB; Knights Commander use KCB; Dames Commander use DCB; Companions use CB.[114] ### Heraldry Knights and Dames Grand Cross are also entitled to receive [heraldic supporters](/source/Supporter).[115] Furthermore, they may encircle their arms with a depiction of the [circlet](/source/Circlet_(heraldry)) (a red circle bearing the motto) with the badge pendant thereto and the collar; the former is shown either outside or on top of the latter. Knights and Dames Commander and Companions may display the circlet, but not the collar, around their arms. The badge is depicted suspended from the collar or circlet. Members of the Military division may encompass the circlet with 'two laurel branches issuant from an [escrol](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Escrol&action=edit&redlink=1) [azure](/source/Azure_(heraldry)) inscribed *Ich dien'*, as appears on the badge. Members of the Order of the Bath and their children are able to be married in Westminster Abbey in London.[116] ## Revocation It is possible for membership in the Order to be [revoked](/source/Revocation). Under the 1725 statutes, the grounds for this were [heresy](/source/Heresy), [high treason](/source/High_treason), or [fleeing from battle](/source/Desertion) out of [cowardice](/source/Cowardice). Knights Companion could in such cases be degraded at the next Chapter meeting. It was then the duty of the Gentleman Usher to 'pluck down the escocheon [i.e. stallplate] of such knight and spurn it out of the chapel' with 'all the usual marks of infamy'.[117] Only two people were ever degraded: [Lord Cochrane](/source/Thomas_Cochrane%2C_10th_Earl_of_Dundonald) in 1813, and [Eyre Coote](/source/Eyre_Coote_(British_Army_officer%2C_born_1762)) in 1816, both for political reasons, rather than any of the grounds given in the statute. Lord Cochrane was subsequently reinstated, but Coote died a few years after his degradation.[118] Under Queen Victoria's 1847 statutes, a member 'convicted of treason, cowardice, [felony](/source/Felony), or any infamous crime derogatory to his honour as a knight or gentleman, or accused and does not submit to trial in a reasonable time, shall be degraded from the Order by a special ordinance signed by the sovereign.' The Sovereign was to be the sole judge, and also had the power to restore such members.[119] The situation today is that membership may be cancelled or annulled, and the entry in the register erased, by an ordinance signed by the Sovereign and sealed with the seal of the Order, on the recommendation of the appropriate minister. Such cancellations may be subsequently reversed.[120] In 1923, the Italian dictator [Benito Mussolini](/source/Benito_Mussolini) was made an honorary Knight Grand Cross, by King George V. Mussolini was stripped of his GCB in 1940, after he had declared war on the UK.[121] [George Pottinger](/source/George_Pottinger), a senior civil servant, lost both his status of CB and Commander of the [Royal Victorian Order](/source/Royal_Victorian_Order) (CVO) in 1975 when he was jailed for corruptly receiving gifts from the architect [John Poulson](/source/John_Poulson).[122] Romanian president [Nicolae Ceaușescu](/source/Nicolae_Ceau%C8%99escu) was stripped of his honorary GCB status by Queen Elizabeth II on 24 December 1989, the day before his execution. [Robert Mugabe](/source/Robert_Mugabe), the [President of Zimbabwe](/source/President_of_Zimbabwe), was stripped of his honorary GCB status by Queen Elizabeth II, on the advice of the [Foreign Secretary](/source/Foreign_Secretary_(United_Kingdom)), [David Miliband](/source/David_Miliband), on 25 June 2008, 'as a mark of revulsion at the abuse of human rights and abject disregard for the democratic process in [Zimbabwe](/source/Zimbabwe) over which President Mugabe has presided.'[123] [Vicky Pryce](/source/Vicky_Pryce), former wife of [Chris Huhne](/source/Chris_Huhne), was stripped of her CB by Queen Elizabeth II on 30 July 2013, following her conviction for [perverting the course of justice](/source/Perverting_the_course_of_justice).[124] ## Current Knights and Dames Grand Cross This section needs more citations. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) ### Sovereign and Great Master Name Year of appointment Present age Charles III (ex officio) 1974 as Great Master as The Prince of Wales; Sovereign since 2022 77 William, Prince of Wales KG, KT, GCB, PC, ADC 2024 44 ### Knights and Dames Grand Cross Rank (if any) Name Known for Year of appointment Present age Marshal of the Royal Air Force David Craig, Baron Craig of Radley GCB, OBE Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, RAF Strike Command 1984 96 Sir Clive Whitmore GCB, CVO Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Defence and Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister 1988 91 Sir Peter Middleton GCB Permanent Secretary to the Treasury 1989 92 Air Chief Marshal Sir Patrick Hine GCB, GBE Joint Commander British Forces Gulf War 93 Sir William Heseltine GCB, GCVO, AC, QSO, PC Private Secretary to the Sovereign 1990 90 Sir Terence Heiser GCB Permanent Secretary at the Department of the Environment 1992 94 Admiral Sir Jock Slater GCB, LVO, DL Commander-in-Chief Fleet 88 Robin Butler, Baron Butler of Brockwell KG, GCB, CVO, PC Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service 88 Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Graydon GCB, CBE Chief of the Air Staff 1993 87 Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Alcock GCB, KBE, FREng, FIMechE, FRAeS Air Officer Commander-in-Chief, RAF Logistics Command 1995 89 Terence Burns, Baron Burns GCB Permanent Secretary to the Treasury 82 Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Johns GCB, KCVO, CBE Chief of the Air Staff 1997 86 General Sir Roger Wheeler GCB, CBE Commander-in-Chief, Land Command 84 Field Marshal Michael Walker, Baron Walker of Aldringham GCB, CMG, CBE, DL 1999 81 General Sir Jeremy Mackenzie GCB, OBE, DL Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe 85 Sir Nigel Wicks GCB, CVO, CBE Second Permanent Secretary to the Treasury and Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister 86 Richard Wilson, Baron Wilson of Dinton GCB Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service 2001 83 Admiral Sir Nigel Essenhigh GCB, DL First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff and Commander-in-Chief Fleet 2002 81 Sir David Omand GCB Director of the Government Communications Headquarters 2004 79 Admiral Alan West, Baron West of Spithead GCB, DSC, PC First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff 78 Marshal of the Royal Air Force Graham Eric Stirrup, Baron Stirrup KG, GCB, AFC, FRAeS, FCMI Chief of the Air Staff 2005 76 Sir Richard Mottram GCB Permanent Secretary for Intelligence, Security and Resilience 2006 80 Robin Janvrin, Baron Janvrin GCB, GCVO, QSO, PC Private Secretary to the Sovereign 2007 79 General Richard Dannatt, Baron Dannatt GCB, CBE, MC, DL Chief of the General Staff 2008 75 Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy GCB, CBE, DSO Chief of the Air Staff 72 Admiral Sir Jonathon Band GCB, DL First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff and Commander-in-Chief Fleet 76 Sir Mark Stanhope GCB, OBE, DL First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, Commander-in-Chief Fleet and Vice-Admiral of the United Kingdom 2010 74 Field Marshal Nick Houghton, Baron Houghton of Richmond GCB, CBE, DL Chief of the Defence Staff and Chief of Joint Operations 2011 71 Sir David Normington GCB Permanent Under-Secretary of State of the Home Office and Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education and Skills 74 Field Marshal David Richards, Baron Richards of Herstmonceux GCB, CBE, DSO, DL Chief of the Defence Staff and Chief of the General Staff 74 Gus O'Donnell, Baron O'Donnell KG, GCB, FBA, FAcSS Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service 73 Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton GCB, FRAeS Chief of the Air Staff 2012 72 General Sir Peter Wall GCB, CBE, DL Chief of the General Staff and Commander-in-Chief, Land Forces 2013 70 Nicholas Macpherson, Baron Macpherson of Earl's Court GCB Permanent Secretary to the Treasury 2015 66 Admiral Sir George Zambellas GCB, DSC, ADC, DL, FRAeS First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff and Fleet Commander 2016 68 Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford GCB, CBE Chief of the Air Staff 68 Christopher Geidt, Baron Geidt GCB, GCVO, OBE, QSO, PC, FKC Private Secretary to the Sovereign 2018 64 General Sir Nicholas Carter GCB, CBE, DSO Chief of the Defence Staff and Chief of the General Staff 2019 67 Dame Sally Davies GCB, DBE, FRS, FMedSci Master of Trinity College, Cambridge and Chief Medical Officer for England 76 Admiral Sir Philip Jones GCB, DL First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff 2020 66 Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier GCB, CBE, DFC Chief of the Air Staff 63–64 Sir Tom Scholar GCB Permanent Secretary to the Treasury 2023 57 Edward Young, Baron Young of Old Windsor GCB, GCVO, PC Private Secretary to the Sovereign 59 General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith GCB, CBE, DL Chief of the General Staff and Director Special Forces 62 ### Honorary Knights and Dames Grand Cross Country Name Office when appointed Year of appointment Present age Notes Portugal António Ramalho Eanes GCB President of Portugal 1978 91 Recipient of the Royal Victorian Chain Nigeria Ibrahim Babangida GCB President of Nigeria 1989 84 Iceland Vigdís Finnbogadóttir GCB, GCMG President of Iceland 1990 96 Poland Lech Wałęsa GCB President of Poland 1991 82 Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah GCB, GCMG Sultan of Brunei 1992 79 In both the Military and Civil Divisions; also Honorary Admiral in the Royal Navy, Honorary General in the British Army and Honorary Air Chief Marshal in the Royal Air Force Poland Aleksander Kwaśniewski GCB, GCMG President of Poland 1996 71 Brazil Fernando Henrique Cardoso GCB President of Brazil 1997 95 Jordan Abdullah II of Jordan GCB, GCMG, GCVO King of Jordan 2001 64 Colonel-in-Chief of the Light Dragoons South Africa Thabo Mbeki GCB, GCMG, KStJ President of South Africa 84 Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo GCB President of Nigeria 2003 89 Malta Eddie Fenech Adami GCB President of Malta 2005 92 Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva GCB President of Brazil 2006 80 Lithuania Valdas Adamkus GCB President of Lithuania 99 Latvia Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga GCB, OC, OQ President of Latvia 88 Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves GCB President of Estonia 72 Ghana John Kufuor GCB President of Ghana 2007 87 Turkey Abdullah Gül GCB President of Turkey 2008 76 France Nicolas Sarkozy GCB President of France 71 Slovenia Danilo Türk GCB President of Slovenia 74 Mexico Felipe Calderón GCB President of Mexico 2009 63 South Africa Jacob Zuma GCB President of South Africa 2010 84 Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani GCB, GCMG Emir of Qatar 74 Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono GCB, GCL, AC President of Indonesia 2012 76 South Korea Park Geun-hye GCB President of South Korea 2013 74 France François Hollande GCB, OQ President of France 2014 71 Singapore Tony Tan GCB President of Singapore 86 Mexico Enrique Peña Nieto GCB President of Mexico 2015 60 Germany Joachim Gauck GCB President of Germany 86 Colombia Juan Manuel Santos GCB President of Colombia 2016 74 South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa GCB President of South Africa 2022 73 Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier GCB President of Germany 2023 70 France Emmanuel Macron GCB, CBE President of France 48 South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol GCB President of South Korea 65 Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani GCB Emir of Qatar 2024 46 Italy Sergio Mattarella GCB, KBE President of Italy 2025 84 Holy See Leo XIV GCB Pope 70 ### Officers Coat of arms of the Air Chief Marshal Sir [Peter Squire](/source/Peter_Squire), Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath The Order of the Bath now[*[when?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items)*] has six officers:[125] - **Dean**: [Dean of Westminster](/source/Dean_of_Westminster) *(ex officio)*, the Very Rev. [David Hoyle](/source/David_Hoyle_(priest)) [KCVO](/source/Knight_Commander_of_the_Royal_Victorian_Order), [MBE](/source/Member_of_the_Order_of_the_British_Empire) - **[King of Arms](/source/Bath_King_of_Arms)**: Air Chief Marshal Sir [Stephen Dalton](/source/Stephen_Dalton) [GCB](/source/Knight_Grand_Cross_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath), [FRAeS](/source/Fellow_of_the_Royal_Aeronautical_Society)[126] - **Registrar and Secretary**: Major General [James Gordon](/source/James_Gordon_(British_Army_officer%2C_born_1957)) [CB](/source/Companion_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath), [CBE](/source/Commander_of_the_Order_of_the_British_Empire)[127] - **Deputy Secretary**: Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Segrave - **Genealogist**: [David White](/source/David_White_(officer_of_arms)) [OStJ](/source/Officer_of_the_Order_of_St_John), [Garter Principal King of Arms](/source/Garter_Principal_King_of_Arms) - [**Lady Usher of the Scarlet Rod**](/source/Gentleman_Usher_of_the_Scarlet_Rod): Major General [Susan Ridge](/source/Susan_Ridge) [CB](/source/Companion_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath)[127] ## See also - [United Kingdom portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:United_Kingdom) - [Monarchy portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Monarchy) - [Heraldry portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Heraldry) - [History portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:History) For people who have been appointed to the Order of the Bath, see the following categories: - [Category: Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Knights_Grand_Cross_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath) - [Category: Dames Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Dames_Grand_Cross_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath) - [Category: Knights Commander of the Order of the Bath](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Knights_Commander_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath) - [Category: Dames Commander of the Order of the Bath](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Dames_Commander_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath) - [Category: Knights Companion of the Order of the Bath](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Knights_Companion_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath) - [List of knights and dames grand cross of the Order of the Bath](/source/List_of_knights_and_dames_grand_cross_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath) - [List of knights companion of the Order of the Bath](/source/List_of_knights_companion_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath) - [Category: Knights of the Bath](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Knights_of_the_Bath) - [Category: Companions of the Order of the Bath](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Companions_of_the_Order_of_the_Bath) - [List of honorary British knights and dames](/source/List_of_honorary_British_knights_and_dames) - [List of people who have declined a British honour](/source/List_of_people_who_have_declined_a_British_honour) - [List of revocations of appointments to orders and awarded decorations and medals of the United Kingdom](/source/List_of_revocations_of_appointments_to_orders_and_awarded_decorations_and_medals_of_the_United_Kingdom) - [Ablution in Christianity](/source/Ablution_in_Christianity) ## Notes 1. **[^](#cite_ref-PersonalGift_63-0)** The [Order of the Garter](/source/Order_of_the_Garter), the [Order of the Thistle](/source/Order_of_the_Thistle), the [Order of Merit](/source/Order_of_Merit) and the [Royal Victorian Order](/source/Royal_Victorian_Order) are all awarded at the Sovereign's discretion and ministerial advice is not required.[62] ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** The word 'Military' was removed from the name by [Queen Victoria](/source/Queen_Victoria) in 1847. Letters Patent dated 14 April 1847, quoted in *Statutes* 1847. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** *Statutes* 1725, although Risk says 11 May 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Royal-Honours_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Royal-Honours_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Royal-Honours_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Royal-Honours_3-3) ["Order of the Bath"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120102185330/http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Honours/OrderoftheBath.aspx). *Royal.gov.uk*. Official website of the British monarchy. Archived from [the original](http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Honours/OrderoftheBath.aspx) on 2 January 2012. Retrieved 9 December 2011. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** *Statutes* 1925, articles 8–12. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Anstis, *Observations*, p. 4. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Letters patent dated 18 May 1725, quoted in *Statutes* 1725. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** The purely legendary pre-history was associated with [Henry IV](/source/Henry_IV_of_England). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Wagner, *Heralds of England*, p 357, referring to John Anstis, who proposed the Order, says: "He had the happy inspiration of reviving this ancient name and chivalric associations, but attaching it, as it never had been before, to an Order or company of knights." 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Perkins, *The Most Honourable Order of the Bath*, p. 1: "It can scarcely be claimed that a properly constituted Order existed at any time during the preceding centuries [prior to the reign of Charles II]". 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** *Statutes* 1925, article 2. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Statutes-1925-article5_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Statutes-1925-article5_11-1) *Statutes* 1925, article 5. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Statutes-1815_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Statutes-1815_12-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Statutes-1815_12-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Statutes-1815_12-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Statutes-1815_12-4) ["No. 16972"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/16972/page/17). *[The London Gazette](/source/The_London_Gazette)*. 4 January 1815. pp. 17–20. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Honorary_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Honorary_13-1) *Statutes* 1925, article 8. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** See, for example, [the order of wear for orders and decorations](http://www.honours.gov.uk/honours/wear.aspx) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070128200052/http://www.honours.gov.uk/honours/wear.aspx) 28 January 2007 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), the Royal Warrant defining precedence in Scotland (["No. 27774"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/27774/page/2012). *[The London Gazette](/source/The_London_Gazette)*. 14 March 1905. pp. 2012–2014.), or the discussion of precedence at [http://www.heraldica.org/topics/britain/order_precedence.htm](http://www.heraldica.org/topics/britain/order_precedence.htm) 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Risk-p6_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Risk-p6_15-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Risk-p6_15-2) Risk, *History of the Order of the Bath*, p. 6. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** *The Manner of making Knights after the custom of England in time of peace and at the Coronation, that is Knights of the Bath*, quoted in Perkins, pp. 5–14. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** According to Anstis (*Observations*, p. 73) such knights were sometimes known as *Knights of the Sword* or *Knights of the Carpet* 1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Anstis, p. 66. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Royal-focus_19-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Royal-focus_19-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Royal-focus_19-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Royal-focus_19-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Royal-focus_19-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Royal-focus_19-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Royal-focus_19-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-Royal-focus_19-7) ["Order of the Bath feature article"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060929220811/http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page5296.asp). *Royal.gov.uk*. Archived from [the original](http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page5296.asp) on 29 September 2006. Retrieved 9 September 2006. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Risk, p. 114. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Nicolas, *History of the orders of knighthood of the British empire*, p. 38–39. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** The later usage by the Order of the Bath does not make things any clearer. The presence of the [rose](/source/Rose), [thistle](/source/Thistle), and [shamrock](/source/Shamrock) (symbols of England, Scotland, and Ireland, respectively) in the Collar supports the above claim. The shamrocks however were not added until the 19th century, probably as a result of a suggestion of Sir [Joseph Banks](/source/Joseph_Banks), who in his proposal observed that the presence of the shamrock would "greatly augment the meaning of the motto" (Risk, p 115). A further explanation for the crowns is provided in the 1725 statutes of the Order. The [coat of arms](/source/Coat_of_arms) which was to appear on the Order's seal (*Azure three imperial crowns Or*, that is, three gold imperial crowns on a blue background) was described as being anciently attributed to [King Arthur](/source/King_Arthur). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Nicolas, p 38, quoting Bishop Kennet *Register and Chronicle Ecclesiastical and Civil from the Restoration of King Charles II faithfully taken from the manuscripts of the Lord Bishop of Peterborough*, (1728) p. 410. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Hanham, Andrew (2016). *The Politics of Chivalry: Sir Robert Walpole, the Duke of Montagu and the Order of the Bath*. Vol. 35. Parliamentary History. pp. 262–297. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Thomas Jr, Robert McG (20 May 1995). ["Obituaries: Sir Anthony Wagner, 86, Dies; Medievalist and Senior Herald"](https://www.nytimes.com/1995/05/20/obituaries/sir-anthony-wagner-86-dies-medievalist-and-senior-herald.html). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. Retrieved 17 March 2025.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service)) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Garter King of Arms from 1754 to 1773, and an [officer of arms](/source/Officer_of_arms) for some 25 years before that 1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Wagner, pp. 348, 357. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Risk, p. 2. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** Hanham, Andrew (2016). *The Politics of Chivalry: Sir Robert Walpole, the Duke of Montagu and the Order of the Bath*. Vol. 35. Parliamentary History. pp. 262–297. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** Hanham, Andrew (2016). *The Politics of Chivalry: Sir Robert Walpole, the Duke of Montagu and the Order of the Bath*. Vol. 35. Parliamentary History. pp. 262–297. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** In the words of his son, [Horace Walpole](/source/Horace_Walpole), "The Revival of the Order of the Bath was a measure of Sir Robert Walpole, and was an artful bank of favours in lieu of places. He meant to stave off the demand for Garters, and intended that the Red [i.e. the Order of the Bath] should be a step to the Blue [the [Order of the Garter](/source/Order_of_the_Garter)]; and accordingly took one of the former for himself." Horace Walpole, *Reminiscences* (1788) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** Hanham, Andrew (2016). *The Politics of Chivalry: Sir Robert Walpole, the Duke of Montagu and the Order of the Bath*. Vol. 35. Parliamentary History. pp. 262–297. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** Nicolas, p. 237–238, footnote. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** Risk, p. 4. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** *Statutes* 1725. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** *Statutes* 1725, article 2. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** Risk, p. 15, 16. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Risk-p16_38-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Risk-p16_38-1) Risk, p. 16. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-39)** *Statutes* 1725, article 6, the same article which state "[the Great Master shall] take especial care that ... the antient Rituals belonging to this Knighthood be observed with the greatest Exactness" 1. **[^](#cite_ref-40)** No Installation had been held between 1812 and the [coronation of George IV](/source/Coronation_of_George_IV) in 1821, by which time the number of knights exceeded the number of stalls in the chapel. To allow the knights to wear their collars at the coronation (which they could not do until installed), they were dispensed from the Installation, and this precedent was subsequently followed. (Risk, p. 43). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** Risk, p. 10. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-42)** Risk, p. 20. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-43)** Statute dated 8 May 1812, quoted in *Statutes* 1847. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-44)** Statute dated 20 April 1727, quoted in *Statutes* 1847. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-45)** *The Times*, 10 January 1815, p. 3. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-46)** ["No. 17061"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/17061/page/1877). *[The London Gazette](/source/The_London_Gazette)*. 16 September 1815. pp. 1877–1882. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-47)** Letters Patent dated 14 April 1847. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-48)** The document by which the Prince Regent modified the structure of the Order in 1815 was a Warrant under the [Royal sign-manual](/source/Royal_sign-manual). This is of lesser authority than [Letters Patent](/source/Letters_Patent) under the Great Seal, by which the Order and its Statutes were originally established. It had been questioned on a number of occasions whether the Statutes of the Order could be modified by anything less than such Letters Patent. The 1847 Letters Patent retroactively confirmed the validity of the 1815 document and the subsequent appointments to the Order 1. **[^](#cite_ref-49)** Risk, p. 61. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-50)** *Special statute 1850*. ["No. 21127"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/21127/page/2242). *[The London Gazette](/source/The_London_Gazette)*. 16 August 1850. p. 2242. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Risk-p70_51-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Risk-p70_51-1) Risk, p. 70. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-52)** Risk, p. 89. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-53)** Perkins, p. 122. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-54)** Risk, p. 92. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-55)** Perkins, pp. 124–131. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-56)** Risk, pp. 95–96. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-57)** 16 in Queen Victoria's reign, 6 in [Edward VII](/source/Edward_VII)'s and 19 in George V's. (Risk, p. 97) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-58)** [Allen, Philip](/source/Philip_Allen%2C_Baron_Allen_of_Abbeydale) (2004). ["Nunn, Jean Josephine (1916–1982)"](http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/66883). *[Oxford Dictionary of National Biography](/source/Dictionary_of_National_Biography#Oxford_Dictionary_of_National_Biography)* (online ed.). Oxford University Press. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1093/ref:odnb/66883](https://doi.org/10.1093%2Fref%3Aodnb%2F66883). Retrieved 16 May 2014. (Subscription, [Wikipedia Library](https://wikipedialibrary.wmflabs.org/partners/88/) access or [UK public library membership](https://www.oxforddnb.com/help/subscribe#public) required.) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-59)** Risk, p. 102. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-LondonGazette-62866_60-0)** ["No. 62866"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/62866/supplement/N3). *[The London Gazette](/source/The_London_Gazette)* (Supplement). 28 December 2019. p. N3. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-NYHL2020_61-0)** ["New Year Honours list 2020 – Awards for NY2020"](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/856352/New_Year_Honours_List_2020.pdf) (PDF). *GOV.UK*. [HM Government](/source/HM_Government). Retrieved 30 August 2023. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-62)** ["The Honours System of the United Kingdom; Orders, Decorations and Medals"](https://web.archive.org/web/20250616195235/https://honours.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/about/orders-and-medals/). [Ceremonial Honours and Appointments Secretariat](/source/Ceremonial_Honours_and_Appointments_Secretariat) of the [Cabinet Office](/source/Cabinet_Office) of the [Government of the United Kingdom](/source/Government_of_the_United_Kingdom). Archived from [the original](https://honours.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/about/orders-and-medals/) on 16 June 2025. Retrieved 29 July 2025. Appointments... are the Sovereign's personal gift and ministerial advice is not required. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-64)** ["No. 6376"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/6376/page/1). *[The London Gazette](/source/The_London_Gazette)*. 25 May 1725. p. 1. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-65)** Nicolas, Appendix p. lxx gives the first four Great Masters, although he considers the latter three to have only been acting Great Masters 1. **[^](#cite_ref-66)** ["No. 19570"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/19570/page/3309). *[The London Gazette](/source/The_London_Gazette)*. 19 December 1837. p. 3309. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-67)** ["No. 19592"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/19592/page/407). *[The London Gazette](/source/The_London_Gazette)*. 23 February 1838. p. 407. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-68)** Prince Albert was appointed acting Great Master sometime in 1843, and the appointment was made substantive by the 1847 Statutes, article 4. Risk says that he was appointed acting Great Master on 31 March 1843, however *[The Times](/source/The_Times)*, reporting the death of the Duke of Sussex (22 April 1843, pp. 4–5) says that the office of acting Great Master became vacant on his death. At any rate, when the executors of the Duke of Sussex delivered his insignia together with the seal and statutes to the Queen on 20 June (*The Times*, 21 June 1843, p. 6) Prince Albert was then acting Great Master. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Statutes_1847_69-0)** ["No. 20737"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/20737/page/1947). *[The London Gazette](/source/The_London_Gazette)*. 25 May 1847. pp. 1947–1957. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-70)** ["No. 26867"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/26867/page/3567). *[The London Gazette](/source/The_London_Gazette)*. 25 June 1897. p. 3567. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-71)** *The Times*, 22 June 1897, p. 10. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-72)** ["No. 27289"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/27289/page/1414). *[The London Gazette](/source/The_London_Gazette)*. 26 February 1901. p. 1414. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-73)** *The Times*, 25 February 1942, p. 7. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-PoW_74-0)** ["No. 46428"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/46428/page/12559). *[The London Gazette](/source/The_London_Gazette)*. 10 December 1974. p. 12559. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-75)** Milss, Rhiannon (23 April 2024). ["King recognises Queen and Prince William in honours list and creates new role for Kate, Princess of Wales"](https://news.sky.com/story/king-recognises-queen-and-prince-william-in-honours-list-and-creates-new-role-for-kate-princess-of-wales-13121607). *Sky News*. Retrieved 23 April 2024. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-76)** ["The King and The Prince of Wales celebrate 300th anniversary of The Order of the Bath | Westminster Abbey"](https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-news/the-king-and-the-prince-of-wales-celebrate-300th-anniversary-of-the-order-of-the-bath). *www.westminster-abbey.org*. Retrieved 27 February 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-77)** ["The order of service and ceremony of the oath and installation of the great master and knights grand cross of the most honourable order of the bath"](https://web.archive.org/web/20250519070050/https://www.westminster-abbey.org/media/edndzyz3/order-of-the-bath-2025.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](https://www.westminster-abbey.org/media/edndzyz3/order-of-the-bath-2025.pdf) (PDF) on 19 May 2025. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-78)** *Statutes* 1725, article 4. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-79)** Letters Patent dated 14 April 1847, quoted in *Statutes* 1847. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-80)** *Statutes* 1925, article 9. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-81)** *Statutes* 1925, article 10. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-82)** *Statutes* 1925, article 12. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-83)** *Statutes* 1925, article 15. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-84)** *The Times*, 25 October 1972, p. 21. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-85)** *The Times*, 1 December 1993, p. 24. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-86)** Samuel, Henry (27 March 2008). ["Nicolas Sarkozy awarded honorary title"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080401234620/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fnews%2F2008%2F03%2F27%2Fnsarkozy327.xml). *Telegraph.co.uk*. [London](/source/London), England: [The Daily Telegraph](/source/The_Daily_Telegraph). Archived from [the original](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/27/nsarkozy327.xml) on 1 April 2008. Retrieved 24 December 2008. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-87)** ["Abdullah Gül"](http://www.tccb.gov.tr/pages/president/biography/). *tccb.gov.tr*. Presidency of the Republic of Turkey. Retrieved 4 April 2012. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-88)** ["Queen begins state visit to Slovenia"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7681244.stm). [BBC News](/source/BBC_News). 21 October 2008. Retrieved 22 October 2008. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-89)** Monare, Moshoeshoe (6 March 2010). ["Zuma's taste of British protocol"](http://www.iol.co.za/news/world/zuma-s-taste-of-british-protocol-1.475414). *Iol.co.za*. Independent Online. Retrieved 9 December 2011. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-90)** *The Times*, Issue 50193; 13 July 1945; p. 4; col A. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-91)** *The Times*, 27 May 1943, p. 4. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-92)** *The Times*, 21 May 1991. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-93)** Branigan, Tania (12 May 2004). ["Colin Powell claims Scottish coat of arms"](https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2004/may/12/usa.world). *[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)*. [London](/source/London), England. Retrieved 24 December 2008. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-94)** Smyth, Chris (25 June 2008). ["Queen strips Robert Mugabe of knighthood in 'revulsion' at violence"](https://web.archive.org/web/20081014003939/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4213800.ece). *TimesOnline.co.uk*. [London](/source/London), England: [The Times](/source/The_Times). Archived from [the original](http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4213800.ece) on 14 October 2008. Retrieved 24 December 2008. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-95)** *Statutes* 1925, article 18. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-96)** "In the event of any future wars or of any action or services civil or military meriting peculiar honour and reward ... to increase the numbers in any of the said classes and in any of the said divisions". *Statutes* 1925, article 17. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-97)** Marks & Payne 1978, p. 123 1. **[^](#cite_ref-98)** Risk, p. 93. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-99)** Risk, pp. 13, 70. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-100)** *Statutes* 1847, article 15. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-101)** Risk, 1972, p. 95 1. **[^](#cite_ref-102)** Statute dated 17 January 1726 (according to Risk, p. 14). Both the 1812 and 1847 editions of the Statutes give the date as 17 January 1725, but this is most probably a misprint since the Order was not founded until May 1725, and the additional statute also specified the office holders by name. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-103)** Risk, p. 14. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Statutes_1925_art_23_104-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Statutes_1925_art_23_104-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Statutes_1925_art_23_104-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Statutes_1925_art_23_104-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Statutes_1925_art_23_104-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Statutes_1925_art_23_104-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Statutes_1925_art_23_104-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-Statutes_1925_art_23_104-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-Statutes_1925_art_23_104-8) *Statutes* 1925, article 23. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-105)** The hat was made of white satin (*Statutes* 1725, article 8), but was changed to black velvet at the command of George IV for his coronation (Nicolas, p. 198). The hat is not explicitly specified in the 1847 or 1925 statutes 1. **[^](#cite_ref-106)** *Statutes* 1925, articles 23, 24, 25. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Statutes_1925_art_21_107-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Statutes_1925_art_21_107-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Statutes_1925_art_21_107-2) *Statutes* 1925, article 21. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-108)** ["Royal.uk: The King and The Prince of Wales mark 300 years of the Order of the Bath"](https://www.royal.uk/news-and-activity/2025-05-16/the-king-and-the-prince-of-wales-mark-300-years-of-the-order-of-the). *royal.uk*. 16 May 2025. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Statutes_1812_art_8_109-0)** *Statutes* 1812, article 8 1. **[^](#cite_ref-110)** Perkins 1920, p. 107 1. **[^](#cite_ref-111)** Risk, p. 40. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-112)** *Statutes* 1847, article 18. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-113)** *Statutes* 1925, article 22. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-114)** *Statutes* 1925, article 20. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-115)** ["Order of the Bath"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160328013426/http://www.debretts.com/people/honours/orders-chivalry/order-bath). *debretts.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.debretts.com/people/honours/orders-chivalry/order-bath) on 28 March 2016. The post-nominal letters are not mentioned in the Statutes of the Order. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-116)** *Statutes* 1925, article 28. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-117)** ["FAQ: Westminster Abbey"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110228191619/http://www.Westminster-Abbey.org/faq). *Westminster-Abbey.org*. Archived from [the original](http://www.westminster-abbey.org/faq) on 28 February 2011. Retrieved 9 April 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-118)** *Statutes* 1725, article 3. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-119)** Risk, p. 30. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-120)** *Statutes* 1847, article 26. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-121)** *Statutes* 1925, article 30. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-122)** Tharoor, Ishaan (1 February 2012). ["Disgraced British Knights: A Not-So-Chivalrous History"](https://world.time.com/2012/02/01/disgraced-british-knights-a-not-so-chivalrous-history/slide/benito-mussolini/). *[Time](/source/Time_(magazine))*. Time. Retrieved 1 August 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-123)** ["No. 46561"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/46561/page/5731). *[The London Gazette](/source/The_London_Gazette)*. 2 May 1975. p. 5731. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-124)** Smyth, Chris (25 June 2008). ["Queen strips Robert Mugabe of knighthood in 'revulsion' at violence"](https://www.thetimes.com/travel/advice/queen-strips-robert-mugabe-of-knighthood-in-revulsion-at-violence-c3w9sr626h0). *[The Times](/source/The_Times)*. Retrieved 8 May 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-125)** ["No. 60583"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/60583/page/14994). *[The London Gazette](/source/The_London_Gazette)*. 30 July 2013. p. 14994. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-126)** *Court Circular*, 17 May 2006. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-127)** ["Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/3162919). *TheGazette.co.uk*. The London Gazette, HM Government. 7 December 2018. Retrieved 22 December 2018. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-The_London_Gazette,_HM_Government_128-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-The_London_Gazette,_HM_Government_128-1) ["Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/notice/4652085). *TheGazette.co.uk*. The London Gazette, HM Government. 5 July 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2024. ### Bibliograpghy - [Anstis, John](/source/John_Anstis) (1752). [*Observations introductory to an historical essay, upon the Knighthood of the Bath*](https://books.google.com/books?id=pQZcAAAAcAAJ). London: James Woodman. - Galloway, Peter (2006). *The Order of the Bath*. Phillimore. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-86077-399-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-86077-399-0). - Hanham, Andrew (2016). "The Politics of Chivalry: Sir Robert Walpole, the Duke of Montagu and the Order of the Bath". *Parliamentary History*. **35** (3): 262–297. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1111/1750-0206.12236](https://doi.org/10.1111%2F1750-0206.12236). - Marks, Richard; Payne, Ann (1978). *British Heraldry from Its Origins to C. 1800*. London: British Museum Publications Ltd. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-71410-086-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-71410-086-9). - Nicolas, Nicholas H. (1842). *History of the orders of knighthood of the British empire, Vol iii*. London. - Perkins, Jocelyn (1920). [*The Most Honourable Order of the Bath : a descriptive and historical account*](https://archive.org/details/mosthonourableor00perkrich) (2nd ed.). London: Faith Press. - Risk, James C. (1972). *The History of the Order of the Bath and its Insignia*. London: Spink & Son. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-90069-649-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-90069-649-7). - *Statutes of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath*. London. 1725. - *Statutes of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath*. London. 1812. - *Statutes of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath*. London. 1847. - ["Special statute of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath"](https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/21127/page/2242). *TheGazette.co.uk*. [London Gazette](/source/London_Gazette). 1850. Retrieved 16 June 2020. - *Statutes of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath*. London. 1925.{{[cite book](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_book)}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_location_missing_publisher)) - ["Royal Insight > Focus: The Order of the Bath"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060929220811/http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page5296.asp). *Royal.gov.uk*. Official website of the British monarchy. May 2006. Archived from [the original](http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page5296.asp) on 29 September 2006. Retrieved 9 September 2006. ## Further reading - [Brennan, I. G. (2004). "The Most Honourable Order of the Bath".](http://www.heraldicsculptor.com/bath.html) - [Cambridge University Heraldic and Genealogical Society](/source/Cambridge_University_Heraldic_and_Genealogical_Society). [(2002, 2020). "The Most Honourable Order of the Bath".](http://cuhags.soc.srcf.net/orderofc/bath.html) - [Velde, F. R. (2003). "Order of Precedence in England and Wales".](http://www.heraldica.org/topics/britain/order_precedence.htm) ## External links Listen to this article (14 minutes) [This audio file](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Order_of_the_Bath.ogg) was created from a revision of this article dated 11 April 2005 (2005-04-11), and does not reflect subsequent edits. 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