The Royal Equestrian and Military Order of Saint Michael of the Wing (or Ordo Equitum Sancti Michaelis sive de Ala in Latin, Real Ordem Equestre e Militar de São Miguel da Ala in Portuguese) is a dynastic Roman Catholic order believed to have been founded in 1147 by King Afonso I of Portugal at the Alcobaça Monastery.
The order was established to commemorate the Conquest of Santarém from the Moors, with the name honoring Saint Archangel Michael, who is said to have appeared in the form of a wing in the sky to aid in the victory.
The medieval history of the Order, including claims of recognition by Pope Alexander III in 1171, is largely based on documents from the 16th to the 18th century. The International Commission on Orders of Chivalry classifies it as an “Institution of chivalric character,” founded as a chivalric order and later revived by the dynastic successors of the original authority (2004). Originally, the knights of the Order were under the jurisdiction of the Abbot of the Cistercian Alcobaça Monastery and shared prayers and duties with other military orders during the Reconquista.
The Order is considered to have been revived twice: first in 1828 or 1848 by King Miguel I of Portugal to support the Miguelist movement, and secondly in 1981 by later Portuguese monarchists, with recognition by the Royal House of Braganza in 1986.
The Order of Saint Michael of the Wing Ranks
The Royal Equestrian and Military Order of Saint Michael of the Wing features several ranks, each with distinct insignia and purposes:
- Grand Collar: This rank, marked by an insignia surmounted by a crown, is exclusively reserved for the Grand Master. Members of the grand council, such as the Grand Chancellor and Chancellor, wear it without the crown.
- Grand Cross with Collar of the Royal Brotherhood: This collar, worn by the Grand Master, Royal Patrons, Bishops, Vice-Chancellors, Grand Chaplains, and Judges, as well as Delegates of the Royal Brotherhood when in representative roles, can also be bestowed on royalty, heads of state, and VIP members of the Order for extraordinary services. This collar, instituted in 2021 for the Order’s 850th anniversary, differs from the Grand Collar of the Order.
- Grand Cross: Worn with a cross on a sash over the right shoulder and a gold plaque on the chest.
- Grand Officer: Worn with a cross around the neck and a gold breast star.
- Commander: Worn with a cross around the neck and a silver breast star.
- Knight: Worn with a cross around the neck, similar in size to the Commander’s cross.
The Order of Saint Michael of the Wing Design
The insignia of the Order of Saint Michael of the Wing is highly symbolic and varies by rank. The Grand Collar, exclusive to the Grand Master, features an elaborate design with a crown. The Grand Cross with Collar of the Royal Brotherhood, instituted in 2021, is notable for its special use in the Order’s anniversary and for its distinction from the traditional Grand Collar.
For the Grand Cross, a cross is worn on a sash draped over the right shoulder, accompanied by a gold plaque. Grand Officers wear the cross around their necks with a gold breast star, while Commanders wear a similar neck cross with a silver breast star. Knights wear a neck cross of the same size as that of the Commanders.
