Senior British order of knighthood, founded
by Edward III in about 1347. Its distinctive
badge is a garter of dark blue velvet, with
the motto of the order, Honi soit qui mal y
pense (`Shame be to him who thinks evil of
it') in gold letters. It is worn below the
left knee. Its sash is also dark blue.
Membership is limited to 25 knights, and to
members of the royal family and foreign
royalties; appointments are made by the
sovereign alone. St George's Chapel, Windsor,
is the chapel of the order. The Blue Riband
is derived from the order's garter.