Sovereign Council of the Order of Malta

The Sovereign Council is made up of the following members: The Grand Commander is the chief religious officer of the Order and serves as Lieutenant "ad interim" during a vacancy in the office of Grand Master.

The Grand Chancellor is the head of the executive branch; he is responsible for the Diplomatic Missions of the Order and relations with the national Associations.

The Receiver of the Common Treasure directs the administration of the finances and property of the Order.

All members of the Sovereign Council, other than the Grand Master, have the honorific address His Excellency (abbreviated H.E.

The Prince and Grand Master: The Four High Charges: Members of the Council of the Professed: Members from the First and Second Classes: Conventual Chaplains Knights and Dames of Grace and Devotion in Obedience Second Category: Conventual Chaplains ad honorem Third Category: Knights and Dames of Grace and Devotion (nobility proof required) Fourth Category: Magistral Chaplains Fifth Category: Knights and Dames of Magistral Grace