The Monarchy Today > Queen and public > Honours

Honours

George V's Diamond Star for the Order of St. Patrick

George V's Diamond Star
The Royal Collection 2006 © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

ORDER OF ST. PATRICK

Founded in 1783, the Order of St Patrick was historically used to reward those in high office in Ireland and Irish peers who supported the government of the day.

It served as the national Order of Ireland as the Garter was for England and the Thistle for Scotland.

The Order effectively went into abeyance with the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922.

It finally lapsed in 1974 with the death of the last surviving recipient, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester.

Originally, the number of Knights of St Patrick was 15. This increased to 22 in 1833.

The Knights of the Order of St. Patrick wore mantles of sky-blue satin, and the star of the Order was embroidered in silver on the right breast.

The Order's most famous insignia were the badge and star used by the Lord Lieutenant. These were made available for the serving Lord Lieutenant's use in 1830 by William IV.

Queen and Public
	Honours George V's Diamond Star for the Order of St. Patrick George V's Diamond Star The Royal Collection 2006 © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ORDER OF ST. PATRICK Founded in 1783, the Order of St Patrick was historically used to reward those in high office in Ireland and Irish peers who supported the government of the day. It served as the national Order of Ireland as the Garter was for England and the Thistle for Scotland. The Order effectively went into abeyance with the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. It finally lapsed in 1974 with the death of the last surviving recipient, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. Originally, the number of Knights of St Patrick was 15. This increased to 22 in 1833. The Knights of the Order of St. Patrick wore mantles of sky-blue satin, and the star of the Order was embroidered in silver on the right breast. The Order's most famous insignia were the badge and star used by the Lord Lieutenant. These were made available for the serving Lord Lieutenant's use in 1830 by William IV.
How the Monarchy works? Queen and State Queen and Commonwealth Ceremony and symbol Royal finances The Royal Household	Fact file Motto: Quis separabit? Chapel: St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Ranks: Knight Post-nominals: KP Founded: 1783; discontinued 1922 The insignia were made from 394 stones taken in part from some of Queen Charlotte's jewellery and from one of the Order of the Bath Badges which had belonged to her husband George III. Known as the 'Irish Crown Jewels', the insignia were stolen from Dublin Castle in 1907 and never recovered. Next section Have you seen... The Queen A biography of the Head of State SUGGESTED LINKS UK Honours System