the order of merit () is an award, for notable work in the armed forces, science, art, literature, or for the promotion of culture. the order was set up in 1902, by edward vii. membership of the order is a personal gift of its sovereign (the monarch does not take advice from politicians about who should be a member). the sovereign of the order is the reigning monarch of the commonwealth realms. the award is limited to 24 living recipients at any one time from these countries, plus a small number of honorary members.