FOUNDED IN 1643

HABIT | INSIGNIA | MEDALS & DECORATIONS | CURRENCY UNIT |

The use of habit (or uniform) is mandatory in all civilian and religious ceremonies of the Order, and in all religious ceremonies in which the Knights and Dames participate on behalf of the Order. In military or civilian ceremonies in which the Knights and Dames participate on behalf of the Order they should follow the host protocol (dress etiquette), using the habit or not. Members of the Clergy, including Grand Chaplain and Lord Abbot, use the season's habit (Christmas, Lent, etc.) for each circumstance (Holy Mass, Procession, etc.) according to Canon Law.

DAME'S HABIT

The habit of Dame, identical for all female members, regardless of Species and Degree of Dignity, consists of skirt, jacket and badge pendant (Insignia). The skirt, of black, is wore with bellow the knee with black stockings and black shoes. The jacket, of black, up to «four fingers» bellow the waist, is breasted by three metal buttons of gold, with no flaps. Cuffs and collar of red, are embroidered in gold bullion. It is wore with white gloves. The badge pendant (Insignia) is an enameled silver medal, with 55mm in diameter, used pending from the union of the collar and consists of a Maltese cross of red, overlaid by a cross of St. Andrew of white, topped by an identical one, smaller in size, of red. The whole is crowned above by a flying dove, of silver, with the beak pointed up, suspended from a royal crown of silver.

How to order the habit: | DAME | DAME OFFICER | DAME COMMANDER |

KNIGHT'S HABIT

The habit of Knight, identical for all male members, regardless of Species or Degree of Dignity, consists of trousers, jacket, badge pendant (Insignia), bicorn (cocked hat) and sword. The trousers, black, spiked with two vertical stripes of gold separated by a thin red line, are used with black socks and shoes. The jacket, black, is breasted with two rows of six metal buttons of gold. The flaps, of the same color, open in the chest, are embroidered in gold bullion. Cuffs and collar of red, are also embroidered in gold bullion. It is used with white gloves. The badge pendant (Insignia) is an enameled silver medal, with 55mm in diameter, used pending from the union of the collar and consists of a Maltese cross of red, overlaid by a cross of St. Andrew of white, topped by an identical one, smaller in size, of red. The whole is crowned above by a flying dove, of silver, with the beak pointed up, suspended from a royal crown of silver. From the waist hangs a two-edged sword with the guard, the hilt and pommel of gold forming a cross of three lobes, in a black leather scabbard, with metal tip of gold. The bicorn (cocked hat), of black, with a tassel of gold on each side. Knight Commanders and higher ranks use, in addition, a fringe of white feathers on top.

How to order the habit: | KNIGHT | KNIGHT OFFICER | KNIGHT COMMANDER |


We advise consulting also the dress code page:
| RULES FOR THE USE OF INSIGNIA & DECORATIONS |