Grand Master of France

The Grand Master was entitled to bear this symbol of his office in his coat of arms, two being crossed in saltire behind the shield.

He was also responsible for policing the court and he managed the king's lands (which made him a sort of Minister of the Interior).

In practice however, the military branch of the Maison du Roi was frequently run by the Constable of France or the Secretary of State for War.

In the Early Modern period, most of the real work of the Grand maître was accomplished by his secretaries, and not by himself personally.

Furthermore, with the creation of the Secretary of State of the Maison du Roi in the 16th century, the Grand maître was forced to share some of his duties: in general the Secretary's oversight was purely formal, as the officers of the "Maison du Roi" were under the direct authority of the Grand Maître of France; yet, the "Secrétaire d'État à la Maison du Roi" was in charge of recruiting officers for the "Maison du Roi", and would receive prospective applications for posts and submit them to the king for his approval.