06-16-2008, 04:04 PM
Alexander R. & I.
Whereas it has been represented unto Us by the Most Reverend Vulstanius, by Divine Providence Lord Archbishop of Bergen, Our Lord High Steward, that it would be now expedient to correct, by means of good and new governing charters, the several flaws and misuses which have arisen in the divers Orders of Chivalry by which it has been Our pleasure to honour the praiseworthy achievements of Our loving subjects in service of Us and Our Realm of Hanover:
Know Ye Now that We, of Our especial grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, and of Our Royal Prerogative in this respect by the Laws and Constitution of Our Realm, do by these Presents solemnly enact and institute the following Articles to be the governing charter of Our Most Excellent Order of Hanover:
Part I. Officers
1. The King of Hanover shall in perpetuity hold the office of Sovereign of the Order, by right of which he may induct new members to the Order, degrade existing members, and appoint and dismiss the several Officers of the Order.Part II. Members
2. The Sovereign shall, during the celebration of Hanover Day on the twenty-fifth of June each year, induct as a Member of the Order the one person amongst his subjects whom he considers to have contributed the most to the betterment of the Realm during the preceding year.3. No person may be inducted as a Member of the Order more than once, unless he was previously degraded from the said rank. Any Member may voluntarily relinquish his rank, but may not subsequently be inducted again.
Part III. Privileges and Insignia
4. The members of the Order shall be distinguished by the post-nominal letters O.H., and shall be entitled to wear, suspended from a dark violet riband about their necks, a Badge comprising the armorial bearings of the Kingdom rendered in gold, surrounded by a dark violet circlet bearing the motto Pro Patriae Gloria.In Testimony Whereof We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent, and the Great Seal of Our Kingdom of Hanover to be hereunto affixed, Witness Ourself at Our Court at St. George's this Seventeenth Day of June, in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eight, and in the Fourth Year of Our Reign.
PER IPSUM REGEM PROPRIA MANU SIGNAT
