Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood

The Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood is an office of the Lord Chamberlain’s department within the Royal Household of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom. It is responsible for the administration of orders of chivalry and some aspects of honours in general. It does not deal with nominations or decisions on appointments, but rather administers the appointment procedures and investitures, and provides the insignia. It is a small office, with eight staff in 2019.

The office was established by King Edward VII in April 1904 in response to the recommendations of a committee set up in 1902 to consider changes to the administration of the honours system. The new office replaced the ad hoc arrangements which had evolved over time.

Since 1991, the Secretary of the Central Chancery has been the same individual who serves as Assistant Comptroller to the Lord Chamberlain's Office.