- The Ordre du Saint-Esprit was established on December 31, 1578 by Henri III de France as a Religious Order of Merit for Nobles of the Court. It is the most prestigious honour that a noble can have in Versailles. It's one of the most distinctive of all the European Chivalry Orders.
- MEMBERSHIPS REQUIREMENTS to become Chavalier du Saint Esprit
- One must have noble ancestry going back at least three generations
- One must be a member of the Roman Catholic Church
- Age required for Fils de France: Members by birth (Accepted in the order at the age of 12)
- Age required for Princes du Sang: 16 years
- Age required for Princes Etranger: 25 years
- Age required for Nobles: 35 years .
- ORGANIZATION:
- Souverain Grand Maître : Le Roi de France et Navarre.
- 8 Commandeurs : 4 cardinals and 4 bishops or prelates.
- 4 Commandeurs officiers :
- Le Chancelier et garde des sceaux
- Le Prévôt et maître des cérémonies
- Le Grand trésorier
- Le Greffier
- 88 Chevaliers.