Infante Henry of Portugal, commonly known as Henry the Navigator, was appointed as the governor of the Order of Christ in 1420. This order was a key institution in Portugal, evolving from the earlier Knights Templar and focusing on Christian missions and exploration. As governor, Henry sought to utilize the resources of the Order to promote his ambitions of exploration, particularly along the African coastline. He established a navigation school at Sagres, where he gathered together the brightest minds in navigation, cartography, and shipbuilding. This institution helped lay the foundation for Portugal's prowess in maritime exploration.

Henry's appointment not only reflected his noble lineage but also his deep commitment to expanding Portuguese influence. The Order of Christ served as a vital funding source for new expeditions, allowing the Portuguese to explore uncharted territories. Under Henry's leadership, the order was involved in several expeditions that sought a trade route to Asia and aimed to spread Christianity. Henry’s strategic vision facilitated significant advances in naval technology and contributed to Europe's understanding of distant lands which ultimately led to the establishment of trade routes and colonies.

The legacy of this appointment extended far beyond Henry's lifetime, as his initiatives led to the Age of Discovery wherein European powers began to compete for maritime dominance. Portugal became a leader in exploration, resulting in the influx of wealth and resources from its newly acquired territories, changing the economic landscape of Europe. Henry’s governance of the Order of Christ thus represents a foundational moment in the history of exploration and empire-building in the early modern period.