Our governance

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, otherwise known as The Order of St John, is an organisation incorporated by Royal Charter and a Charity, registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, Charity number 235979. The Order of St John is accredited to the United Nations as a non-governmental Organisation (NGO) in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Establishments of the Order (which include Priories, Commanderies and St John Associations) are subject to the Charter, Statutes and Regulations of The Order, but are largely autonomous in their legal structures and service delivery activities.

The Order is currently governed by a Royal Charter of 1955 and a Supplemental Royal Charter of 1974 as subsequently amended. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Sovereign Head of The Order, and the Grand Prior is currently HRH the Duke of Gloucester. That position has always been held by a senior member of the Royal Family.