King Charles has appointed former governor of Hong Kong Chris Patten and ex-Labour minister Catherine Ashton to the Order of the Garter.
Charles has appointed Lord Patten of Barnes, a former Conservative MP who served as governor of Hong Kong from 1992 to 1997, as Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.As Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
King Charles has appointed Baroness Ashton of Upholland. Ashton of Upholland is a former Labour minister and European Union diplomat, as Lady Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
They make the announcements for the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in the country on St George’s Day. Which is the patron saint of the Order.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement that the appointment is in “the King’s gift”. In addition the statement said it is in the same category as the Order of the Thistle, the Order of Merit, and the Royal Victorian Order.
The Order includes the King. The king who is Sovereign of the Garter, several senior members of the royal family, and 24 knights chosen in recognition of their work.
The Sovereign personally chooses Knights of the Garter to honor those who have held public office.
The Sovereign chooses Knights of the Garter as a way of honoring individuals who have made a significant contribution to national life or have provided personal service to the Sovereign.
Previous members have included Marshal of the RAF Lord Stirrup and former prime ministers Sir John Major and Sir Winston Churchill.