Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/562

Rh or voluntary official service. The honorary, or members by favour, are not subject to any fee, or vow, except on receiving a pension from the King. The diploma is the same as with the former. All members indiscriminately may aspire to the highest degrees of the Order.

The badge consists of a green ribbon. The smaller cross is sketched in Plate 76, Tab. I. No. 4, and that of the Commanders in No. 5. The latter is somewhat larger, and is worn round the neck. The number of the Commanders is fixed at fifty, who receive the cross after having made the necessary vow of the Order, which must be done within six months after their nomination, if not already made by them as simple Knights.

The number of the Knights Grand Cross is limited to thirty. Their cross is surmounted by a crown, and is worn across the right shoulder towards the left side by a broad ribbon, and accompanied by a star on the left side of the breast, embroidered in gold and silver (Nos. 1 to 3). They may make use of the small cross when not wearing the insignia of their proper class. The Royal Princes, Knights of the Annunciation Order and Foreigners, are not included in the number fixed for the two first classes.

The Grand Dignitaries of the Order are: the Grand Prior, Grand Hospitaller, Grand Guardian or Conservator, Grand Chancellor, and Grand Treasurer.

Their respective tasks are defined by the statutes of 1816, while the oldest of them usually occupies the chair. Only Knights of the Grand Cross can aspire to any of these dignities. The Council is composed of the above five dignitaries, of the Auditor-General, of the first Secretary, of the Grand Master, and of the Secretary appointed by the Council. With the exception of the five Dignitaries, the members of the Council, must, at least, belong to the class of Commander.