As is my custom on St Patrick’s Day I am once again posting about the Order of St Patrick, founded in 1783 by King George III as the Irish equivalent of the Orders of the Garter and the Thistle.
There are informative articles about the Order at Order of St Patrick, at The Order of St Patrick, at Order of St Patrick and at Order of St Patrick
There are various additional images relating to its insignia and personnel from this link at Pinterest
Unlike the Garter, and, to a slightly lesser extent, the Thistle there appear to be relatively few images of Sovereigns and members of the Royal Family wearing the Order.
The Duke of Cumberland, later King Ernest Augustus I of Hanover, in the robes of the Order
Image: Wikipedia
Queen Victoria wearing the Order of St Patrick.
A detail from the 1854 portrait of the Queen by Stephen Carterton Smith, painted to commemorate her visit to Dublin in 1849. The painting is in the Mansion House in Dublin. The Queen is shown wearing the Oriental Circlet, which is still part of the Royal Collection.
There is a fine photograph of the Duke of York, later King George V, wearing the riband and star from the time of his installation as a Knight of St Patrick on his visit to Dublin in August-September 1897 here
Photographs of King Edward VII wearing the riband and star of the Order with his Field Marshsl’s uniform at Viceregal Lodge on his visit to Dublin in July-August 1903 can be seen from the Royal Collection at Image: Newton Wynne Apperley (1847-1925) - King Edward VII and Queen ... and at HRH Princess Victoria (1868-1935), 2nd daughter of King Edward VII; King Edward VII (1841-1910); Queen Alexandra (1844-1925).
It was on the eve of the King’s next visit in 1907 that the Irish Crown Jewels - the diamond star and badge of the Order worn by the Lord Lieutenant - were stolen from Dublin
Cadtle
King George V wearing the riband of the Order on the occasion of the State Opening of the Northern Irish Parliament June 22 1921.
Image:postcard Ireland.com
King George VI, the last new appointee to the Order on this day in 1936, can be seen wearing the riband and star of the Order in this YouTube from the following year:
Their Majesties In Ireland (1937)
The late Duke of Gloucester, who died in 1974 was the last Knight of the Order. He was appointed to it in 1934. He wore the insignia of the Order on visits to Northern Ireland - his secondary title was Earl of Ulster
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Image:lordbelmontinnorthernireland.blogspot.com
Today The Queen, as Sovereign, is the only member of the Order - the last non-royal Knight died in 1961 - but so far as I know Her Majesty has never worn the insignia of the Order on her visits to Northern Ireland.
My previous posts about the Order can be viewed at The Order of St Patrick (2011), Banners of the Knights of St Patrick (2012), The Order of St Patrick (2013), Insignia of the Order of St Patrick (2014), The Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick (2015), Order of St Patrick (2016)
and Badges of the Order of St Patrick (2017)
I always make in these posts the case for restoring the Order to its proper place amongst the Sovereign’s Orders of Chivalry. It could serve not only as a means of honouring those from Northern Ireland but also on a cross-border basis as a recognition of shared identity and heritage with those based in the other twenty six counties. It could be a way of building bridges in a symbolic way.
I know I am not alone in this opinion from talking with friends. It is more widespread than that. Here is a letter to the The Times from 2004 on the subject: Time to revive Order of St Patrick.
Since that was written there has been the exchange of State Visits and other gestures of reconciliation, Brexit not withstanding. There is a strong case for reviving the Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick.
That which you will never believe. In order to secure a personal loyalty oath to QEII for a VIP event. British govt had the audacity to to have this ceremony where I had to pledge life and limb to Her majesty and her descendants and their supporters and friends if the occasion may arise to defend their royal persons.
ReplyDeleteThe Ulster Master of Arms, Representive of Her Majesty in Northern Ireland was actually present and a bishop of York. They had a golden canopy, a coronet, a robe from mid 1800s with a name stitched inside with three titles.
Oh yes, also anointing oil used during 1953 ceremony and explanation that it was just olive oil mixed with spices and then blessed before 1953 ceremony. Told it ran out of the 1936 coronation oil. They had me change into white shirt with lacing down center with frills on cuffs. Bishop anointed head, hands, breast area (not kidding) above bosom, feet.
Bishop had me lie prostrate on a elaborate rug.
I said to them, isn't this quite illegal and not valid. Besides, I was a woman. I thought it was nuts what they had me do.
They told me this was exception. I, being American had refused Oath as there was no dual citizenship generally accepted by US govt. I could have been stripped of US citenship.
Dublin with Jean K.Smith just dipping her feet into embassy waters had written Embassy in London and British Govt. re this. Letter back was that it was acceptable to do service without this oath. Then British govt decided upon this ceremony without informing Kennedy or me. A particular Royal insisted on it I was told, one with good reason considering past experience with a man who well ...
So you do think I should contact King Charlie and demand my Privileges,coronet,and shiny medallions?
How about an Arabian pony at least?
Yes, unbelievable.