<Tr> <Th> Next (lower) </Th> <Td> Order of the Thistle </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Riband of the Order of the Garter </Td> </Tr> <P> The Order of the Garter (formally the Most Noble Order of the Garter) is an order of chivalry founded by Edward III in 1348 and regarded as the most prestigious British order of chivalry (though in precedence inferior to the military Victoria Cross and George Cross) in England and the United Kingdom . It is dedicated to the image and arms of Saint George, England's patron saint . </P> <P> Appointments are made at the Sovereign's sole discretion . Membership of the Order is limited to the Sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and no more than 24 members, or Companions . The order also includes supernumerary knights and ladies (e.g., members of the British Royal Family and foreign monarchs). New appointments to the Order of the Garter are often announced on St George's Day (23 April), as Saint George is the order's patron saint . </P>

When was the order of the garter founded