Currently, the Military Knights of Windsor comprise 13 retired military officers who reside at Windsor Castle. Historically, the number of knights has varied. When the Order of the Garter was established in 1348, 26 knights were appointed. This number was reduced to 13 during King Henry VIII’s reign. After the Restoration, King Charles II increased the number to 18, but tradition now maintains the number at 13.
The Military Knights of Windsor, often referred to historically as the “Poor Knights of Windsor,” are a unique and venerable institution with deep roots in British military and royal history. These retired military officers, who reside at Windsor Castle, are closely associated with the Order of the Garter and the daily services held at St. George’s Chapel. Though no longer impoverished as their predecessors once were, these knights continue to uphold centuries-old traditions of service and ceremony.
Origins and Historical Evolution
The origins of the Military Knights of Windsor can be traced back to the mid-14th century. Following the Battle of Crécy in 1346, many English knights were financially ruined after being captured by the French and forced to liquidate their estates to pay ransom. In response to the plight of these veterans, King Edward III established a community of knights, known initially as the Alms Knights or Poor Knights, to serve in perpetuity at the chapel of the newly founded Order of the Garter at Windsor Castle.
1348, when the Order of the Garter was formally established, twenty-six Poor Knights were appointed to mirror the twenty-six Knights of the Garter. Their primary duty was to “serve God continually in prayer,” attending four services daily and praying for the Sovereign and the Knights of the Order of the Garter. These knights were lodged within Windsor Castle and received a modest stipend for their service, reflecting their status as impoverished veterans. Importantly, any knight who came into wealth exceeding an annual income of £20 was disqualified from the college.
Over the centuries, the number of Poor Knights fluctuated based on royal decrees:
- King Henry VIII reduced their number from twenty-six to thirteen.
- Queen Elizabeth I re-founded the Order in 1559, adhering to her father’s reduction.
- King Charles II increased the number to eighteen following his restoration to the throne.
In 1833, King William IV officially renamed the Poor Knights as the Military Knights of Windsor, reflecting their military service and the evolving nature of their role. He also permitted them to wear the uniform of Army Officers on the Unattached List, which included a distinctive scarlet tailcoat, sword, sash and cocked hat with a plume. This uniform is still worn by the Military Knights today.
Modern Role and Duties
While the Military Knights of Windsor no longer live in poverty, they remain military pensioners selected from among retired Army Officers. Today, their duties primarily revolve around the ceremonial aspects of the Order of the Garter and the daily services at St. George’s Chapel. They are not members of the Order of the Garter itself or automatically knighted in any chivalric order. However, they play a crucial role in the grand processions and services that define the Order’s public presence.
The Military Knights are led by a Governor, a position within the Royal Household traditionally held by a senior retired officer since the mid-sixteenth century. The role of Governor was brought under the control of the Constable of Windsor Castle in 1905, and since 1906, all Governors have been senior retired military officers.
Daily Life and Responsibilities
The Military Knights of Windsor reside in the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle, where they are provided with accommodation as long as they can fulfil their duties. These duties are extensive and often involve being on parade nearly every Sunday, as well as for state visits, military funerals, and the laying up a Garter Knight’s banner. The most significant event in their calendar is the annual Garter Ceremony, where they lead the procession through Windsor Castle’s precincts to St. George’s Chapel.
In addition to their ceremonial roles, some Military Knights take voluntary positions within the College of St. George and Windsor Castle. Their commitment to service continues well into their later years, with most Knights serving until they can no longer carry out their responsibilities.
A Legacy of Service
The Military Knights of Windsor claim to be the oldest military establishment still listed in the Army List, a testament to their enduring presence and significance in British history. From their origins as a chantry of impoverished knights praying for the Sovereign, they have evolved into a respected and integral part of the royal and military traditions at Windsor Castle.
Their history reflects changing military and royal customs and tells the story of how service and duty can adapt to the needs of the time while maintaining a connection to the past. The Military Knights of Windsor remain a living link to the medieval foundations of the Order of the Garter, continuing to embody the values of loyalty, service, and dedication that have defined their role for nearly seven centuries.
