John Gardiner Austin

The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George symbolized in the Star of a Knight/Dame Grand Cross.

The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is a British order of chivalry founded on 28 April 1818 by George, Prince Regent, later King George IV, while he was acting as Prince Regent for his father, King George III. (Our downtown history tells us that the street formerly known as “Front Street” was changed to “Regents Street” in 1818 so this may have had some connection to this event). It is named in honour of two military saints, St Michael and St George.

The Order of St Michael and St George was originally awarded to those holding commands or high position in the Mediterranean territories acquired in the Napoleonic Wars, and was subsequently extended to holders of similar office or position in other territories of the British Empire. It is at present awarded to men and women who hold high office or who render extraordinary or important non-military service in a foreign country, and can also be conferred for important or loyal service in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs.

The maximum number of people who can hold this title in the British Empire is 125. There are currently 73 people who hold this title, one of which is our very own Sir Colville Young, who was knighted in 1994. Sir Colville Young is currently the longest-serving governor-general in the British Commonwealth.