The centre has a raised figure of the Archangel St Michael holding a flaming sword trampling on Satan in coloured enamels on a varicoloured ground, encircled by the motto 'AUSPICIUM MELIORIS AEVI' in burnished gold letters set flush in blue enamel. This device rests on a white enamelled cross of fourteen points edged in gold. The whole is surmounted by a chased gold Imperial Crown set down between the points of the upper limb of the cross. The reverse has a raised figure of St George and the Dragon in coloured enamels. With an evening sash of blue silk with central red stripe.

Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught received the G.C.M.G. in 1870. The suspension ring has been removed. The Duke habitually wore his Badges attached to sashes fitted with snap hooks because he felt that the result was neater if the usual ring was not used.