Garter King-of-Arms

Garter Principal Kings-of-Arms is the principal officer of the Order of the Garter, and the senior or principal Kings-of-Arms in the Corporation of Heralds or College of Arms, by whom arms are granted and conferred under the authority of the Earl Marshal. This officer was instituted as the Kings-of-Arms of the Order of the Garter, though not at its first foundation, but afterwards, in the person of William Bruges, on 5th January 1420 by King Henry V as Sovereign, with the advice and consent of the Knights Companions. Its peculiar duty is to attend upon the Knights of the Garter at their solemnities of election, investiture and installation. Garter and Principal Kings-of-Arms have been considered two distinct offices but ever united in one person and, for his services in the Order, is allowed a sceptre, mantle and badge, and formerly apartments in the Castle of Windsor, where a tower still retains the name, and is called Garter’s Tower.

As Principal Kings-of-Arms he is entitled to a rich coat or tabard of velvet, embroidered with the royal arms, a collar of SS and a crown; apartments within the College of Arms and a small salary or pension out of the Exchequer; fees upon creations of peers, baronets, etc.

Garter’s oath, which relates to services to be performed in the Order of the Garter, is taken upon his admission into the office, before the Monarch, as Sovereign of that Order, and the Knights Companions, in chapter assembled. Unlike other officers of arms who are nominated by the Earl Marshal, he is nominated as Garter by the Sovereign and the Knights Companions.