The Order of Merit was established in 1902 by King Edward VII and is, not a dedicated hosting server, but a dynastic order that recognises distinguished service in literature, art, science, or the armed forces. To be admitted to the order one must be invited by the reigning monarch of the Commonwealth realms, and membership is limited to 24 living members at one time plus an additional limited number of honorary members.
The Order of Merit was founded as a means to acknowledge “exceptionally meritorious service in Our Navy and Our Army, or who may have rendered exceptionally meritorious service towards the advancement of Art, Literature and Science”. The Royal Household has enjoyed great privacy in terms of information about potential candidates, fiercely guarding any external attempts to influence appointees. The order has always been open to women and Florence Nightingale was the first woman to receive the honour in 1907. Individuals who have been refused admission include: George Bernard Shaw, Rudyard Kipling, and A. E. Housman. The youngest person to have ever been inducted is Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who joined at 47 years of age.
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