Order of Chivalry

Herald:

Their Majesties command the presence of the Chivalry.

Members of the Chivalry assemble and kneel.

Herald:

Since ancient times it has been recognised that there are certain warriors who are much deserving of high honour, not only by their skill at arms, but by their noble behaviour, which has come to define the meaning of Chivalry.

Therefore was created the Order of the Chivalry, to recognise those who, possessing all the other skills, virtues and attributes appropriate to members of the Peerage, shall also have distinguished themselves by their prowess at arms and chivalrous demeanour. The Order consists of two equal parts, Knighthood and Mastery of Arms.

And the symbols of Knighthood are a white belt and an unadorned chain, while the symbol of Mastery of Arms is a white baldric. The white belt and baldric betoken the honour with which the knight or master girds himself, and the chain the fealty the knight swears. And this Order ranks in precedence with the Order of the Laurel and of the Pelican. It carries with it a Patent of Arms.

Escort:

Your Majesties, having consulted with the Order, is it Your desire to increase our numbers at this time?

King:

It is. Please bring the candidate forward.

Escort brings candidate forward.

Escort:

My liege, it is my privilege, to present You ____________ , that _he may be made a member of our order.

At this point it is possible to have members of the peerage orders to speak for the candidate:

Queen:

Is there a member of the Order of the Chivalry to speak for the candidate?

Knight:

Speaks about the chivalry and prowess in arms of the candidate.

King:

Is there a member of the Order of the Laurel to speak for the candidate?

Laurel:

Speaks of the candidate in respect to their accomplishments in / appreciation of arts and sciences.

Queen:

Is there a member of the Order of the Pelican to speak for the candidate?

Pelican:

Speaks of the service done by the candidate.

King:

Is there a member of the Order of the Rose to speak for the candidate?

Rose:

Speaks of the courtesy of the candidate.

King turns to the sponsor.

King:

Do you, Sir/M___ ____________ , and the other members of your order affirm h___ worthiness for this high honour, accepting h___ as your peer in chivalry, honour and valour upon the field?

Knights:

We do.

King:

My Lady Queen, is it Your judgement, that the candidate fulfils all the requirements of the Order of Chivalry?

Queen:

It is my Lord. All who know ____________ find h___ to be a gentleperson in all respects.

King:

____________ , well pleased with your prowess on the field and your gentle conduct at all the times, responsive to the wishes of your peers, We are minded to create you a member of the Order of Chivalry. Will you accept from Us this honour?

Candidate:

I will, Your Majesty.

Queen:

Do you wish Us to create you a Knight, and swear fealty to us, or would you rather become a M___ of Arms?

Candidate:

____________

King:

Make known Our Royal will.

Herald reads scroll, hands it to King. King hands it to candidate.

In case the candidate opts for Knighthood:

Queen:

Let the candidate's sword be brought forward.

The candidate' sponsor girds the candidate with the swordbelt. During this, the Queen adds the following words.

Queen:

Remain forever worthy of this sword ____________ , and bear in mind that a sword has two edges, Justice and Mercy.

King:

Let the candidate be vested with his spurs.

A member of the Chivalry puts the spurs on the candidate.

Herald:

Be mindful that a knight guides, not only by his word, but also by the example he sets for others. Continue to live by the Code of Chivalry: protect the weak and defenceless, respect and defend the honour of ladies and teach these values to others that may seek the true standard of knighthood.

King:

With what sword do you wish to be knighted?

Candidate answers, e.g. Sword of State, Sponsor's sword, etc.. The King receives the named sword and if the King is not a knight, the sponsor moves around to the right of the throne and lays his hand over the King's. The candidate is struck with the flat side, once on the right shoulder, once on the left and then once on the top of head. During this, the King says the following.

King:

I dub thee once, I dub thee twice, I name thee Knight!

Pause.

Sir ____________ , let this be the last blow you receive without giving answer.

King delivers the buffet, preferably to the right shoulder, firmly but not injuriously. The buffet may be left out completely if the candidate has strong hesitations. Queen receives the white belt and girds the knight with it.

Queen:

Wear this belt, Sir ____________ , and keep it as you would your honour, unblemished and unstained.

King receives Sword of State. Knight places his hands on the sword, King and Queen place their hands upon knight's hands.

Herald:

Will you hold ____________ and ____________ your rightful King and Queen,right until the end of Their lawful reign, and support Their royal might and justice?

Knight:

I so swear.

Herald:

Do you wish to give the Crown such counsel which is to the benefit of Them and Their Realm, and support Them in upholding the laws and fulfilling Their coronation oath?

Knight:

I so swear.

Herald:

And will you keep secret such matters as the Crown wants to keep in confidence, and not divulge such secrets that could harm Their Realm?

Knight:

I so swear.

Queen:

And We in turn promise to grant you and your household all the rights and privileges of old, and to protect you with the Law of the Realm.

So say We ____________ , Regina

King:

And so say We ____________ , Rex.

King receives chain. King hangs chain around knights neck, as he says the following.

King:

Take this chain, and let its weight ever remind you of the fealty you have sworn.

In case the candidate opts for Mastery of Arms:

Queen:

Let the candidate's sword be brought forward.

The candidate' sponsor girds the candidate with the swordbelt. During this, the Queen adds the following words.

Queen:

Remain forever worthy of this sword ____________ , and bear in mind that a sword has two edges, Justice and Mercy.

King:

Let the candidate be vested with his spurs.

A member of the Chivalry puts the spurs on the candidate.

Herald:

Be mindful that a Master of Arms guides, not only by his word, but also by the example he sets for others. Continue to live by the Code of Chivalry: protect the weak and defenceless, respect and defend the honour of ladies and teach these values to others that may seek the true standard of Chivalry.

Queen receives the white baldric and girds the m___ with it.

Queen:

Wear this baldric, M___ ____________ , and keep it as you would your honour, unblemished and unstained.

King:

Congratulations, Sir/M___ ____________ . Go now to your peers.