Order of Merit "KMS", and the Order of Artistic Merit for Knights of Merit in Art, with the post-nominal letters "KMA". However, Sir Frederic Leighton, President of the Royal Academy, advised against the new order, primarily because of its selection process. Victoria's son, King Edward VII, eventually founded the Order of Merit on 26 June 1902 (the date for which his coronation had been originally planned) as a means to acknowledge "exceptionally meritorious service in Our Navy and Our Army, or who may have rendered exceptionally meritorious service towards the advancement of Art, Literature and Science". All modern aspects of the order were
Order of Military Merit (Canada) extraordinary and deserving non-Canadians granted with honorary appointment into each grade. The Canadian monarch—presently —is seen as the fount of honour and is thus at the apex of the Order of Military Merit as its sovereign, followed by the governor general—presently Julie Payette—who serves as the fellowship's chancellor, and the Chief of the Defence Staff—presently Jonathan Vance—who is the principal commander. Thereafter follow three grades—each having accordant post-nominal letters that are the same in both English and French. Additionally, any governor general, former governor general, or member of the Canadian Royal Family in the Canadian Forces may be appointed as