The Order of St John
Although the Order of St John is a Christian Order, founded on Christian principles and the work of the Order is motivated by Christian ideals, the Order warmly welcomes people of any faith, or of no faith, who are motivated to share its mission.
The Order is an international charity, recognised by the United Nations. The Order provides first aid, care and support services in 42 countries around the world. Its charitable activities are delivered through two primary foundations; St John Ambulance worldwide and the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group.
The UN Economic and Social Council has granted the Order special consultative status. The Order is linked to St John in Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden under the auspices of the Alliance Orders of St John. The Alliance is recognised by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta as legitimate descendants of the original medieval Order, founded nearly 1000 years ago.
Recognised British Order of Chivalry
The Order of St John is a recognised Royal British Order of Chivalry. It was first constituted as such by Royal Charter from Queen Victoria in 1888.
Royal Connections
The Order of St John is fortunate to have very close connections with the Royal Family.
His Majesty The King is the Sovereign Head of the Order of St John, having succeeded Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, who held the role for the duration of her reign.
HRH The Duke of Gloucester serves as Grand Prior, who oversees the work of the Order on behalf of the Sovereign Head. The Grand Prior last visited the Commandery in October 2021 to install the current Knight Commander in St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast, and undertake a Commandery Investiture.
Incoming and out-going Knight Commanders with the Grand Prior in St Anne's Cathedral in 2021
HRH The Princess Royal also has a strong connection with the Order and serves as Commandant-in-Chief (Youth). In July 2022, HRH visited Ballymena Showground to attend a St John Ambulance NI Youth Centenary Event, she was received by the Knight Commander, in his capacity as Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim.
2022 marked the centenary of St John's work with young people. During the visit HRH met volunteers from the Badgers and Cadets, including the Commandery's Cadet of the Year 2022, William Somerville from Carrickfergus; presented 11 Grand Prior's Awards to young people; and met the Trustees and Executive Team of St John Ambulance NI.
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh has been Grand President of St John Ambulance since 2004.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, with HM The King in Newtownabbey, May 2023