Badge length: 12.6cm (5in)
Silver-gilt and enamels. The oval badge comprising the Garter and motto ‘Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense’ (Shame on him who thinks evil of it) with the cypher GIIIR above a polychrome escutcheon Royal coat of arms under glass, flanked by the English rose and Scottish thistle, surrmounted by the state crown, with a pendant greyhound. Approx weight: 3.5oz gross. Cased.
The greyhound emblem of the King’s Messengers has been in use for centuries and is said to have originated in the 1650’s during the exile of Charles II in the Netherlands. The King needing to communicate with Royalist supporters in England appointed four trusted men to convey messages. As a sign of their authority, the King broke four silver greyhounds from a bowl familiar to royal courtiers, and gave one to each man. The silver greyhound thus became the symbol of the royal messenger service. Another theory holds that emblem comes from the greyhound featured in coat of arms of Henry VII (1457-1509). The first written mention of Royal Messengers occurs in the late 12th century. Over the centuries, the Messengers have served successive monarchs by carrying secret information and deliveries, making sure whatever twas placed in their charge arrived safely without being seen by enemies. In 1824 control of the Royal Messengers was passed from the Royal Household to the then Foreign Office under whose direction they continue to serve.
Read more
In early times, messengers had to be proficient in horsemanship and with a pistol and sword, in order to defend the King's despatches. It could be a dangerous job. The last Messenger to lose his life went to look at his horses outside an Austrian inn during the Napoleonic Wars and was never seen again. They could also carry warrants, issued by the Secretary of State, for the apprehension of persons accused of high treason and other grave offences against the State.