Fra' Andrew BERTIE

Frà Andrew Willoughby Ninian BERTIE was born on May 15, 1929 in London and passed away in Rome on February 7, 2007. He was related to the Earl of Lindsey (an ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom in Northern England) and Abingdon. He was educated at the Benedictine School, Ampleforth College, in Yorkshire, and graduated in Modern History at Christ Church, Oxford. He also attended the Institute of African and Oriental Studies of the London University.
From 1948 to 1950 he carried out military service in the Scots Guards, obtaining the rank of officer in 1949.
After a short experience in the commercial sector, he taught Modern Languages (particularly French and Spanish) for 23 years at Worth School, the Sussex Benedictine high school.
He was admitted to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in 1956; took Perpetual Vows and in 1981 he became a Religious member. He has contributed to the government of the Order since 1981 as a member of the Sovereign Council and in April 1988 he was elected the 78th Grand Master. He was also Hospitaller of the Sanctuary of Lourdes.

His hobbies were gardening and swimming and was a judo black belt and former fencer.

His father, the Hon. James Bertie, was an officer in the regular forces of the Royal British Navy in both World Wars and was seriously wounded in Bari in 1944. He died in 1966. His mother, Lady Jean Crichton-Stuart, was the youngest daughter of the fourth Marquis of Bute. She died in 1995.

The Prince and Grand Master

The Grand Master is elected for life from the Professed Knights by the Council Complete of State. According to the Constitution, as the religious Superior and Sovereign, he must dedicate himself completely to enhancing the Order's works and be an example of religious conformity for all members. He is vested with supreme authorities. Together with the Sovereign Council, the Grand Master issues the legislative measures not covered by the Constitutional Charter, promulgates government acts, manages Common Treasure assets, informs the Holy See of the Order's needs, ratifies, with the deciding vote of the Sovereign Council, international agreements and the summoning of the Chapter General.

The States with which the Order has diplomatic relations recognise the Grand Master as the Supreme Head of the Order, with the prerogatives, immunities, privileges and honours reserved for Heads of State. He is bestowed the title of Most Eminent Highness, and the Holy Roman Church confers him the rank of Cardinal.

The Grand Master resides at the seat of the Order in Rome, Via Condotti 68.

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