 The office of Register has been held by the Dean of Windsor since 1558 . The Garter Principal King of Arms is ex officio the senior officer of the College of Arms ( the heraldic authority of England ) , and is usually appointed from among the other officers of arms at the College . As the title suggests , Garter Principal King of Arms has specific duties as the Order 's officer of arms , attending to the companions ' crests and banners of arms , which are exhibited in the chapel . The Secretary , who acts as deputy to Garter in the ceremonial aspects of the Order , has since 1952 also been selected from the other officers of the College of Arms . The office of Usher is held by the Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod , who is also the Serjeant @-@ at @-@ Arms of the United Kingdom House of Lords ( although his functions are more often performed there by his deputy , the Yeoman Usher ) . 
