King Charles names three appointments to the Order of the Garter to mark St George's Day

Ben McCaffrey
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 23:02:02 +0000

King Charles has bestowed Britain's most prestigious chivalric honour upon three distinguished members of the House of Lords, marking St George's Day with appointments to the Order of the Garter.

Lord Peter Hennessy, Lord Augustine Thomas O'Donnell, and Lord Ian Burnett received the ancient distinction on Thursday.

Lord Hennessy brings considerable expertise in governmental history to the honour, having built a distinguished career across publications such as The Times, the Financial Times, and the Economist, alongside work for BBC Radio 4.

Lord O'Donnell served as the country's most senior civil servant from 2005 to 2011, heading the entire civil service apparatus.

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He currently contributes to the global well-being movement as a board member.

Lord Burnett made history upon his 2017 appointment as Lord Chief Justice, becoming the youngest holder of that office since 1958 at the age of 59.

Companions of the Garter are selected personally by the sovereign, typically recognising individuals who have held public office, made notable contributions to national life, or served the monarch directly.

Thursday's appointments bring the total number of companions to 23, leaving just one vacancy among the maximum 24 permitted.

The Order's current membership includes such distinguished figures as former Prime Ministers Sir Tony Blair and Sir John Major.

Each year, the institution is honoured through a ceremonial procession and service held within the historic grounds of Windsor Castle, maintaining traditions that have endured for nearly 700 years.

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The Order represents the nation's oldest and most senior honour, established by Edward III nearly seven centuries ago in 1348.

According to historical accounts, the medieval monarch drew inspiration from Arthurian legend, seeking to create his own fellowship of knights akin to the fabled Round Table.

Originally, the Garter was awarded to men who fought for the King and his eldest son.

There have been just over a thousand Knights of the Garter.

Changes were last made to the Order of the Garter on St George's Day in 2024 by King Charles.

Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester, Air Chief Marshal Stuart Peach, Lord Kakkar and Lord Lloyd-Webber were all added to the illustrious Order.