198

HISTORY OF THE

[HABITS AND ENSIGNS.

Coronation of King George the Fourth, the Knights Grand Cross wore aJacket and Trunk Hose, a la Henri Quatre, of white satin, ornamented withsilver lace and fringe, white silk Stockings, white kid Boots with red heels,turned over at the top with crimson satin. About their waists they wore acrimson satin Sash, with long ends, fringed with gold; and a lace Ruff roundtheir necks. Such of the Knights Grand Cross as were Privy Councillors, weredistinguished by having a Blue silk Sash round the right arm.

The Knights Commanders wore a similar Under Habit, but without theSurcoat.

THE CAP.

The Hat or Cap of the Knights Companions was of white Satin, adornedwith a standing Plume of white Ostrich Feathers; but King George the Fourth,at His Coronation, commanded that it should be made of black Velvet, likethat of a Knight of the Garter, with the original Plume, the front being fastenedup with a gold bullion Loop and button.

The Cap of the Knights Commanders was also of black Velvet, with a Plumeof three white Ostrich Feathers, the front being fastened up with a gold bullionLoop and button, somewhat smaller than that of the Knights Grand Cross . 7

In all Chapters or Assemblies of the Order, the Knights wear the Mantleand Collar over their Regimentals, Uniforms, or full Court Dress. It is ordainedby the Thirteenth Article of the Statutes, “ that all Robes and materials what-soever, which in the reigns of Our Predecessors, according to ancient customs,have been provided by any servants of the Sovereign, by reason of their differentOffices, shall be issued and delivered upon the warrants of the Great Master forthese purposes, towards the creation of the persons hereby elected, and for allother such persons as shall hereafter be nominated by Us, or by Our Successors,Kings of this Realm, to supply such vacancies as may happen in this Order .” 8

7 Engravings, representing a Knight Grand Cross, and a Knight Commander, in the Dress wornat the Coronation of King George the Fourth, are given in the History of that Ceremony, publishedby Sir George Nayler, K.H. Garter.

8 Vide p. 58, antea.