any Commonwealth honours system. However, it represents a personal token of high distinction and esteem from the monarch. The chain can be conferred upon men and women of any nationality. It has normally served as the senior award for Canadians, who are generally ineligible to receive titular honours under federal Cabinet policy. Only two Canadians have thus far been conferred with the chain: Vincent Massey and Roland Michener, both former governors general. The Royal Victorian Chain is invariably granted to holders of the office of Archbishop of Canterbury. The Royal Victorian Chain must be returned on the death of the recipient. List of living recipients of the Royal Victorian Chain See also List of recipients of the Royal Victorian Chain List of Canadian awards References External links 1902 establishments in the United Kingdom Awards established in 1902