Order of the Bath and foreign nationals may be made Honorary Members. The Order of the Bath is the fourth-most senior of the British Orders of Chivalry, after The Most Noble Order of the Garter, The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, and The Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick (dormant). In the Middle Ages, knighthood was often conferred with elaborate ceremonies. These usually involved the knight-to-be taking a bath (possibly symbolic of spiritual purification) during which he was instructed in the duties of knighthood by more senior knights. He was then put to bed to dry. Clothed in a special
Order of St Michael and St George with the Golden Gun", but he rejected that offer as he did not wish to become a public figure. Dame Judi Dench's character "M" is "offered" early retirement and a GCMG in "Skyfall" after a series of unfortunate events resulting in the loss of a list that named every NATO espionage operative. Long-time "Doctor Who" companion Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart wore the ribbon of the order as the highest of his decorations in the series' classic era. Order of St Michael and St George The Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George is a British order of chivalry founded on