80

HISTORY OF THE

[THE PRELATE.

Warrant of the Grand Master at the first Chapter held on the 11th of March1783, pursuant to the Sovereign’s pleasure. By that Instrument it was declaredthat a Prelate should be appointed to the Order; that the Lord Archbishopof Armagh, Primate and Metropolitan of all Ireland, for the time being, shouldhe the Prelate; that he should be received and sworn to be of the Council, andshould have such charges and privileges as should be afterwards mentioned. 1His duty consists in attending Chapters, and in administering the Oath tothe Knights-Elect at Investitures. 2

The Habit of the Prelate is “ the same in colour,form, and substance as is appointed to be worn by theKnights,” 3 and it is fastened with similar Cordons ofblue silk and gold. It had formerly the Star on theright side; but by the Ordinance of May 1833, thePrelate is directed to wear “ on the right side (thoughit is, in fact, placed on the left side), instead of theStar, the Badge of the Order, viz. the Cross of SaintPatrick on a field argent, surrounded by the Motto andDate of the Order, Quis Separabit, mdcclxxxiii,and the wreath of Shamrocks.” 4

His Badge is precisely like that of the Knights,surmounted by an Archiepiscopal Mitre, 5 and is wornsuspended to a sky-blue Ribband of the width of threeinches from the neck.

The Prelate receives neither Salary nor Fees.

1 Vide pp. 23, 24, antea.

2 Vide p. 24, antea. By the Warrant creating the Office of Prelate, that Officer is directed topronounce the Admonition, on which subject see the Remarks in pp. 68, 69, note, antea.

3 Ibid. 1

* Vide p. 50, antea. A representation of the Badge on the Mantles of the Prelate, Chancellor, andRegistrar is given in the initial Letter in p. 1.

5 Vide p. 24, antea.