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 =Ladies Companions of the Garter and Thistle= 
 What is the source for the contention that women who receive these orders are not ""Dames"" (unless they hold a higher title, e.g. Lady Soames, Lady Thatcher) as they are in the other orders? 
 Wouldn't ""Lady Mary Smith"" always be the daughter of a duke, marquess or earl? —   "