Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
St John International
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Contact Donate
  • Twitter
Menu
  • Home
  • Who we are
    • About us
      • The Order of St John
      • Our mission and values
      • Our history
    • Governance
      • Our governance
      • Our structure
      • Statutes, regulations and policies
    • Chivalry and membership
      • Chivalry
      • Membership of the Order
      • Honours and awards
    • Reports and publications
    • Jobs
  • Latest news
    • Our News
  • Where we work
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • Europe and Middle East
    • Other Organisations
  • What we do
    • Our services and programmes
    • Support for associations
    • International programmes
      • Mother and baby programme
      • Disaster preparedness in the Caribbean
      • Global leader in first aid
    • Our COVID-19 response
  • Get involved
    • Ways to donate
    • Corporate partnership
    • Trusts and foundations
    • Leave a legacy
    • Gift in kind
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Membership of the Order
  1. Who we are
  2. Chivalry and membership
  3. Membership of the Order

Membership of the Order

St John’s focus on health care, especially amongst the poorest of the poor, and its capacity to tap the most generous and caring human impulses, gives it a special place in our hearts.
Nelson Mandela, Knight of the Order of St John

Entry to the Order is by invitation only – and subject to the sanction of HM The King – in recognition of achievements towards our mission and values, but also in expectation of future involvement and contribution.

There are approximately 20,000 members of the Order worldwide, all of whom have become members by being honoured by the Sovereign Head for service rendered in furthering the work of the Order. Although our Order is founded on Christian principles, membership is not exclusively Christian, and our members come from all faiths and none.

Members are admitted and promoted in five Grades, from Member, Officer, Commander, Knights and Dames, to Bailiff and Dame Grand Cross. Some of our most notable members include Nelson Mandela, Queen Noor of Jordan, Desmond Tutu, Margaret Thatcher, Douglas Fairbanks Jr, Barbara Cartland, Edwina Mountbatten and Christopher Lee. Members of the British Royal family who are members of our Order include the Duke of Gloucester, our Grand Prior, the Duchess of Gloucester, the Princess Royal and the Countess of Wessex. 


Helpful Information and Forms

Guidance for Nominators

Declaration Form

Certificate and Undertaking

Order Honours and Awards Committee: Guidance Concerning Philanthropy

For more information, please refer to the "Ceremonial and Chancery" information section on our "Reports and publications" page.

Published: 20th July, 2020

Updated: 17th August, 2023

Author: Stephan Beschle

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Marking the Ten Year Anniversary of the Order of St John Award for Organ and Tissue Donation

    Marking the Ten Year Anniversary of the Order of St John Award for Organ and Tissue Donation

    Last Friday, 15th September 2023, we were extremely privileged to attend the 10-Year Anniversary Reception for the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation.

  • “Returning Home” - An Interview with Filmmaker, Mr Don Hoe

    “Returning Home” - An Interview with Filmmaker, Mr Don Hoe

    “Returning Home” is a film produced by Mr Don Hoe, the Public Relationship Officer of St John Ambulance Malaysia. The film tells the story of the dedicated heroes who put their lives on the line to save others.

  • Regionalisation - An International Strategy

    Regionalisation - An International Strategy

    As the members of our Grand Council meet in New Zealand this week, we are keen to reflect on our over-arching mission and the approaches we are taking to achieve our collective goal.

  • St John Eye Hospital wins the world's largest award in the field of Vision

    St John Eye Hospital wins the world's largest award in the field of Vision

    On Wednesday 6th September, The St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group won the 2023 edition of the António Champalimaud Vision Award.

Most read

  • Zimbabwe

    Zimbabwe

  • The Order of St John

    The Order of St John

    Discover how St John promotes physical, mental and spiritual health and resilience in 44 countries.

  • Membership of the Order

    Membership of the Order

  • Jobs

    Jobs

    If you want to become a staff member of our International Office team, you can find our current vacancies here.

  • Where we work

    Where we work

  • Our services and programmes

    Our services and programmes

    St John Organisations promote physical, mental and spiritual health and resilience in more than 35 countries. First aid is at the core of what we do.

  • South Africa

    South Africa

  • Chancery (Honours and Awards)

  • How St John is helping

    How St John is helping

  • Mauritius

    Mauritius

© 2022 The Order of St John
Charity Registration Number 235979
What we do
Our services and programmes
Mother and baby programme
Disaster preparedness in the Caribbean
Expanding first aid training worldwide
Terms and Conditions
Privacy Policy
Complaints Procedure
Contact

Login
Logout
Manage Cookie Preferences