Insignia

This section describes the form of the insignia of British orders of chivalry, who wears each item, when it is worn and how it is worn.

The Riband
The is a length of material, usually in the order’s colour, from which the badge of the order is worn. The exact method depends on the rank and sex of the wearer and, if female, whether the wearer is in uniform or in civilian dress: women in uniform as put in the same class as men. Both this section and the section on the badge should be read with this in mind.

• Knights and Dames Grand Cross wear the riband from one shoulder to the opposite hip. At the hip, it carries the order’s badge. For the Garter and the Thistle, the riband is worn from left shoulder to right hip. For all others, from right shoulder from left hip. The dames’ ribband is slightly narrower than that of knights.
  The riband and collar of the same order are never worn together. (In some orders, this would be impossible in any case since only one badge is supplied and this must be moved between collar and riband according to which is being worn.) However, it is permissible to wear the riband of one order whilst wearing the collar of another.
• A narrow riband is used by Knights Commander and male Companions to support the badge around the neck.
• A slightly narrower riband is used by men in the fourth and fifth classes to support badge on the left breast.

The Badge
The badge is common to all members within a given order but worn in different ways according to rank. In general:

• Knights and Dames Grand Cross wear the badge on the collar, if the collar is being worn, and this is known as the “badge apendant”. Otherwise, the badge (the “investment badge”) is worn on the riband (at the hip). In some orders the badge apendant and the investment badge are the same thing, in others (most notably the Garter where they even have distinctive names), they are not;

  For all other ranks, the manner of wearing the badge depends on whether the wearer is a man or a woman in uniform on the one hand or a woman in civilian dress on the other.

• Knights Commander and Dames Commander in uniform wear the badge on a narrow riband around the neck. Dame Commanders not in uniform wear the riband in the form of a bow on the left shoulder and hang the badge from it;
• Companions (where they exist) follow the practice of Knight and Dame Commanders;
• Fourth and fifth classes (where they exist) wear the badge as a medal if male or if female and in uniform; or, if female and not in uniform, from a bow on the left shoulder as above. The badge will probably differ in size and material from rank to rank.

The Star
The star is typically of chipped silver and at its centre is a medallion showing the same theme as the badge. The star is restricted to the two highest ranks of an order. (The forms worn by the two ranks are usually identical except in size – the lower rank’s is smaller.) It is worn on the left breast of the coat. In full dress, upto four stars may be worn at the same time (in a specified geometry).

The Collar
The collar takes the form of a chain and is typically made of alternating (solid) medallions and links. The badge is attached to the collar, and the collar then worn so that the badge lies on the chest and on the lowest point of the collar. The collar is worn by those of Knight Grand Cross rank and then only on collar days. On the other days, the badge and riband are worn.

The Mantle
Typically made of one material in a colour characteristic of the order in question and lined with some other colour. It is fastened with a simple loop of cord. This is called the “cordon” and each end takes the form of a tassel. Besides being slit at the front, the mantle is also slit on the right side (to free the sword arm). The mantle is worn by those of Knight Grand Cross rank only. The mantles of some orders have hoods. For full details of mantles, see Robes of the Realm.

The Hood
The hood, where it exists, is worn on the right shoulder of the mantle.

The Hat
The hat, where it exists, is made of material similar to that of the mantle and lined similarly. It typically has a plume of feathers and these are fastened to the hat by a brooch showing the theme on the badge.

---

References

• Link to the Royal Family’s web site