History

The Order was founded by King Ernst August I of Hanover on April 23, 1839, as the Order of the House of Hanover. The Award was conferred in recognition of extraordinary service to the Kingdom of Hanover.

The Statutes appointed the King of Hanover as the Grand Master of the Order, and there is only one class, the Knights of St. George.

The Order allowed for 16 members outside of the royal family and this number could not be exceeded unless on special grounds. Individuals, except for the Dukes and Princes of Hanover, had to be at least 13-years-old before they could be admitted into the Order.

Only nobility with unblemished reputations were considered for entry into the Order. In addition, individuals who had already received the Grand Cross of the Guelphic Order were eligible to receive the Award.

The motto of the Order is: Nunquam retrorsum (Never backward).

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