On 30 April 1478, Maximilian was knighted by Adolph of Cleves, a senior member of the Order of the Golden Fleece and on the same day he became the sovereign of this exalted order. As its head, he did everything in his power to restore its glory as well as associate the order with the Habsburg lineage. He expelled the members who had defected to France and rewarded those loyal to him, and also invited foreign rulers to join its ranks.
on 30 april 1478 maximilian was knighted by adolph of cleves a senior member of the order of the golden fleece and on the same day he became the sovereign of this exalted order as its head he did everything in his power to restore its glory as well as associate the order with the habsburg lineage he expelled the members who had defected to france and rewarded those loyal to him and also invited foreign rulers to join its ranks