Since Hanover and the United Kingdom shared a monarch until 1837, the order was frequently bestowed upon British subjects.

Today, its current Sovereign is the Hanoverian head of the house, Ernst August, Prince of Hanover.

[citation needed] The insignia was based on the white horse on Hanover's arms.

[citation needed] The Order includes two divisions, Civil and Military, the latter indicated by crossed swords on both the badge and star.

[3] The Order has six officers: the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, the King of Arms, the Genealogist, and the Secretary.