The Order of Merit

This is a very exclusive Order (the Ordinary Members of which do not exceed 24 in number), instituted by King Edward VII on 23 June 1902, by letters patent, but carries with it no special title or personal precedence.

The BADGE of the Order consists of a cross of red and blue enamel of eight points, having the words “For Merit” (the motto of the Order) in gold letters within a laurel wreath on a blue enamel centre. The reverse of the badge shows the Royal and Imperial cipher in gold also within a laurel wreath, on a blue enamel centre; and the whole is surmounted by the Imperial Crown enamelled in colour, and suspended by a particoloured ribbon of Garter blue and crimson, two inches broad.

The Sovereign’s insignia, except, of course for the modifications necessary to distinguish the Royal dignity of the wearer, is similar to the insignia worn by the ordinary members of the Order.

The Badge of the Order is always worn round the neck by gentlemen, and may be suspended from Armorial Bearings, is never worn in miniature. Ladies wear the Badge on a bow on the left side except with coats of military pattern when the Badge is worn in the same manner as by a gentleman.

The ceremony of investiture is from time to time conducted by the Sovereign as in the case of any other Order. Since 1992, the Badge has been returnable to the Sovereign on death. Members of the Order are entitled to attach a facsimile of its badge and ribbon to their arms, and add the letters OM after their names, after GCB. The Seal of the Order is a facsimile of the badge, impaled with the Royal Arms, on a white ground, with the legend, “The Seal of the Order of Merit”.

The Secretary and Registrar, who wears, as his badge of office, a decoration similar to that worn by the members of the Order, with the addition of two silver pens placed saltirewise between the angles of the cross. The Chancery of the Order is in the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. June 23rd is the anniversary of the Order.