Posted by Nellie on July 24, 2013, 1:18 am, in reply to "Queen's order "
First let us get the distinction clear.
The Queen gives herFamily Order to ladies in her family and usually after they have achieved something that counts with the Queen, whatever it may be. We are not informed. We first know that a lady has the order when we see her wearing it, which will be on a fairly formal occasion. I do not keep records of when any family lady first appears with the Queen's Family Order. Other people here I know have those details and might contribute them.
The Badge of Office is given when a (non-family) lady is appointed as Mistress of the Robes or Lady of the Bedchamber or Woman of the Bedchamber. These ladies are commonly referred to en masse as Ladies in Waiting. They wear their badges when on duty with the Queen.