Chancellor of the Order of Australia "Chancellor and Principal Dame" if the incumbent is a 'Dame of the Order of Australia' (AD), or as "Chancellor and Principal Companion" if the incumbent is a 'Companion of the Order of Australia' (AC). The Order of Australia is the only Australian order of chivalry (although certain dynastic British orders of chivalry, such as the Order of the Garter, the Order of the Thistle and the Royal Victorian Order, may still be awarded to Australians by the Monarch). It was established on 14 February 1975 by the Monarch to recognise Australian citizens and other persons for achievement, meritorious service, or
Order of chivalry structure found in medieval orders of chivalry and created new ones instead, e.g. the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Decoration for Services to the Republic of Austria, or the Legion of Merit of the United States. Following the example set by the French Legion of Honour, founded by Napoleon, most multi-level European orders comprise five ranks or classes. The highest is usually called the Grand Cross, then descending with varying titles. Alternatively, the ranks are referred to by number (for example "Ist class" instead of "Grand Cross"). Typical rankings are: Each of these ranks wear