The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George is part of the British honours system which was established in 1818, and is usually awarded to members of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Colonial services.

It is divided into three grades, whose initials or post-nominals have jocular explanations:

  • Knight/Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG - God Calls Me God)
  • Knight/Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG/DCMG - Kindly Call Me God)
  • Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG - Call Me God)

The Order is limited to 125 Knights and Dames Grand Cross, 375 Knights and Dames Commanders, and 1750 Companions.

There are several elements that compose the insignia:

  • The Collar is a gold chain which consists of pieces in the forms of crowned lions alternating with white Maltese Crosses and with the cyphers SM and SG, the various pieces being linked by small. At the front of the chain, and also at the back, is an Imperial Crown, under which are two gold images of winged lions. Only Knights and Dames Grand Cross are entitled to the collar, which they wear around the neck.
  • The Badge is a fourteen-pointed white Cross. In the centre of one side is an image of the St Michael holding a flaming sword and standing on Satan. In the centre of the other side is an image of St George slaying a dragon. Each image is surrounded by a blue circle bearing the Motto of the Order in gold letters. Above the Badge is an Imperial Crown. It is worn by the Knights Grand Cross and Dames Grand Cross suspended from the Collar, by Knights Commander and Gentlemen Companion on a ribbon worn around the neck, by Dames Commander on a bow worn on the left shoulder, and by Ladies Companion on a bow suspended from the neck.
  • The Star includes the Cross of St George, in the centre of which is an image of the St Michael holding a flaming sword and standing on Satan. The image is within a blue circle bearing the motto of the Order, Auspicium Melioris Aevi (Token of a Better Age), in gold letters. The aforementioned Cross and image are on a figure of seven silver rays, with small gold rays between each pair of silver ones, for Knights and Dames Grand Cross, and on a figure of four silver rays for Knights and Dames Commander. Only Knights and Dames Grand Cross and Knights and Dames Commander are entitled to it.
  • The Mantle is a blue satin coat.

See also: