Robert Strauss Jr., age 14, of Willingboro, N.J., for his question:

WHAT IS THE ORDER OF THE GARTER?

Order of the Garter is the highest and perhaps the oldest order of knighthood in Great Britain. King Edward III founded the order in 1349. Only 25 members beside the king were first admitted.

The story goes that the King was dancing with the Countess of Salisbury at a great court ball. Then she lost her garter. As the King picked it up to hand it to her, he saw several persons smile and indulge in remarks. He became angry and exclaimed: "Evil be to him who evil thinks." He added he would make the garter so glorious that everyone would wish to wear it.

The emblem of the order is a dark blue garter edged in gold. On all ceremonial occasions, the garter is worn on the left leg below the knee.

The order was reorganized in 1831 and the membership was increased to include the Prince of Wales, descendants of George I and some foreign rules.

The English monarch is always Grand Master of the Order of the Garter.