The blue sash is worn on state occasions such as a banquet or wedding — as well as for Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee portrait. Most countries have some sort of ancient honor system, with recognition given to those who have held public office or contributed to national life in some way, and these honors are represented by the universal insignia of a sash pinned with some sort of jeweled hardware to hold it in place. This is why at royal weddings you will see assorted royals from different countries all wearing different colored sashes — they are all wearing the national honor regalia that they have been awarded. Most sashes are worn from right shoulder to left hip, but Britain's Most Noble Order of the Garter sash is worn from left shoulder to right hip. Established by Edward III in 1348, the Order is made up of the Knights and Ladies of the Garter, and they are personally chosen by the monarch, who is the head of the Order. The garter is thought to represent the strap that attached two pieces of armor together, and therefore is a symbol of unity.
Pinned at the right hip, the garter badge is a hanging gold charm and features a depiction of St. George (the patron saint of the Order) and the dragon.
