TERMS RELATING TO RANKS AND TITLES
assignable for foreign services, and honorary members, consisting of foreign princes, &c.
Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire. — This Order was instituted by the Queen on the 1st of January, 1878, to commemorate the event of the proclamation of Her Majesty’s style and title of Empress of India in the Indian Dominions and for the reward of important and useful services rendered to the Indian Empire. It was enlarged in 1886 again in 1887, on the occasion of the first Jubilee, and again in 1911, and now consists of the Sovereign, a Grand Master (Viceroy for the time being). Knights Grand Commanders (not exceeding 40), Knights Commanders (not exceeding 120), and Companions (nominations not to exceed 40 in any successive year); persons who by their services, official or other, to the Empire in India, and such distinguished representatives of Eastern Potentates as His Majesty may think fit and eligible for appointment. The Councillors for and in the Indian Empire are ex-officio and for life Companions of the Order.
Most Exalted Order of the Star of India. — This Order was instituted by Queen Victoria in 1861, and enlarged in 1866, 1876, 1897, 1902 and 1911 for the express purpose of rendering high honour to conspicuous loyalty and merit in the princes, chiefs and people of her Indian Empire. The Order consists of the Sovereign, a Grand Master (the Viceroy of India), forty-four Knights Grand Commanders; one hundred Knights Commanders, and two hundred Companions, exclusive of extra and honorary members.
Most Illustrious Order of St. Patrick. — This fraternity of Knights was instituted in 1783 as a national Order for Ireland, corresponding to the Thistle in Scotland and the Garter in England. The Lord Lieutenant, Lords Deputy, or Lord Justices were appointed ex-officio Grand Masters, and the Order consists of twenty-two Knights, in addition to which all persons who have held the office of Lord-Lieutenant are authorized to retain the insignia of the Order after they have retired from the government of Ireland.
Most Noble Order of the Garter. — The year 1848 is that usually assigned as the date of the institution of this fraternity. Popular tradition attributes its foundation to the accident of a lady’s garter being picked up by Edward III. at a court festival, When he checked the mirth of bystanders by the exclamation Honi soit qui mal y pense, and permanently converted a trivial
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