 In addition , the Order includes supernumerary members , who do not count towards the limit of 24 companions . Several supernumerary members , known as " Royal Knights and Ladies of the Garter " , belong to the royal family . These titles were introduced in 1786 by King George III so that his many sons would not count towards the limit on the number of companions . He created the statute of supernumerary members in 1805 so that any descendant of King George II could be installed as such a member . In 1831 , this statute was extended again to include all descendants of King George I. 
