Order of the Garter the Prime Minister Clement Attlee and the Leader of the Opposition Winston Churchill, membership of the United Kingdom's highest ranking orders of chivalry (the Order of the Garter, the Order of the Thistle and the dormant Order of St. Patrick) became a personal gift of the Sovereign once again. Thus, the Sovereign personally selects Knights and Ladies Companion of the Garter, and need not act on or solicit the advice of His or Her Government. In addition, the Order includes supernumerary members, who do not count towards the limit of 24 companions. Several supernumerary members, known as "Royal Knights and
Order of the Lily and the Eagle ranks of Chivalry. The first three ranks of Chivalry are initiatory (teaching – education – practical work), while the next three ranks are concerned with internal administration or the directing of social projects. The seventh Rank is reserved for the leadership of the Order. In keeping with the will of its Founders, the Order does not possess any treasury, wealth or other funds and its services are offered absolutely free of charge. All expenses and means for the realization of its mission derive exclusively from the voluntary work and the optional contributions of its members. The “Eonic Tradition” is the