by Scott Mehl © Unofficial Royalty 2012
There are currently two Orders granted in Norway – The Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav (Den Kongelige Norske St. Olavs Orden), and The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit (Den Kongelige Norske Fortjensteorden). Both are granted by the King, however, they are based on recommendations from a commission established by the Norwegian government.
The Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav
photo: Royal House of Norway, Kjartan Hauglid
The Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav was founded by King Oscar I of Norway and Sweden in 1847, and named in honor of King Olav II. For many years the only order of chivalry in Norway, the Order of St. Olav is now the senior of two orders – the other being the Order of Merit. Other than foreign royalty and heads-of-state, the Order is only granted to Norwegian citizens.
The Order of St. Olav is divided into 5 different ranks. In addition, the Collar of the Order may be granted to holders of the Grand Cross – this is traditionally only bestowed upon foreign royalty and heads-of-state, and is the highest possible rank within the Order.
Special Class
Grand Cross with Collar – badge worn on the collar with star on the left breast.
First Class
Grand Cross – badge worn suspended from a sash over right shoulder, and star on the left breast.
Second Class
Commander with Star – men wear badge on a necklet, women on a bow. Both with the star on the left breast.
Commander – men wear badge on a necklet, women on a bow worn on the left chest.
Third Class
Knight 1st Class – badge worn on the left chest. Men wear on a ribbon, women on a bow.
Knight – badge worn on the left chest. Men wear on a ribbon, women on a bow.
The Badge of the Order is a white-enameled Maltese Cross with the crowned monogram of King Oscar I between the arms of the cross. In the center of the cross is a crimson medallion (ringed with white, blue and white) with the Norwegian lion in gold. On the reverse is King Oscar I’s motto on the back – ‘Ret og Sandhed’ (‘Justice and Truth). Atop the badge is the Norwegian crown. For those granted the order for military service, there are crossed swords of gold between the cross and crown.
The Star of the Order is an eight-pointed star with the Badge of the Order surmounted in the center (without the crown).
The Collar of the Order contains links with King Oscar I’s monogram, the coat of arms of Norway and gold crosses.
The sash is a crimson band, with blue and double-edged white borders. The same design is used for the ribbons and bows worn for the lesser ranks.
The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit
Photo: Royal House of Norway, Kjartan Hauglid
The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit was founded in 1985 By King Olav V to recognize outstanding service in the interests of Norway. The Order of Merit can be granted both to Norwegian citizens and foreigners.
Similar to the Order of St. Olav, the Order of Merit is granted in five different ranks, listed below.
First Class
Grand Cross – badge worn suspended from a sash over right shoulder, and star on the left breast.
Second Class
Commander with Star – men wear a badge on a necklet, women on a bow. Both with the star on the left breast.
Commander – men wear a badge on a necklet, women on a bow worn on the left chest.
Third Class
Knight 1st Class – badge worn on the left chest. Men wear on a ribbon, women on a bow.
Knight – badge worn on the left chest. Men wear on a ribbon, women on a bow.
The Badge of the Order is the Cross of St Olav, in gold for the higher ranks and silver for the lower ranks, and overlaid with a red rounded cross. In the center of the red cross is King Olav V’s monogram surmounted by a crown.
The Star of the Order is an eight-pointed star with the Badge of the Order surmounted in the center.
The sash is a wide band of navy blue silk. This is also used for the ribbons and bows.
This article is the intellectual property of Unofficial Royalty and is NOT TO BE COPIED, EDITED, OR POSTED IN ANY FORM ON ANOTHER WEBSITE under any circumstances. It is permissible to use a link that directs to Unofficial Royalty.
Links