Investiture, the Order of the Garter, and Honours

Investiture is a formal ceremony in which a person is officially given a rank or title, often by a monarch or other high-ranking official. This can include being invested as a knight, receiving a medal or award, or being appointed to a prestigious order.

One of the most prestigious orders of chivalry in the United Kingdom is the Order of the Garter. Founded by King Edward III in 1348, the Order of the Garter is the oldest and highest order of chivalry in the country. Members of the Order, known as Knights or Ladies of the Garter, are appointed by the monarch and include members of the royal family, as well as other prominent individuals who have made significant contributions to society.

Honours are awards or titles given to individuals in recognition of their achievements or service. In the UK, honours are typically awarded by the monarch on the advice of the government. There are several different types of honours, including knighthoods, damehoods, OBEs (Order of the British Empire), MBEs (Member of the Order of the British Empire), and CBEs (Commander of the Order of the British Empire), among others.

Overall, investiture, the Order of the Garter, and honours are all ways in which individuals can be recognized for their contributions and achievements, with each carrying its own level of prestige and significance.