The Sovereign Order of Malta is a sovereign subject of international law, with its own constitution, passports, stamps and public institutions. Bertie, the 78th Grand Master, was elected head of the order for life in 1988.
The origins of the Order of Malta, an international hospitaller and relief organization, date back to 1050, when it was founded as a fraternity at the service of St. John´s Hospital in Jerusalem. More information on the order is at www.smom.org.
