Order of Orange-Nassau

The Order of Orange-Nassau was established in 1892 to recognise civilian merit. The Order of Orange-Nassau comprises six classes: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, Knight and Knight 6th Class or Member. The order is awarded in gold, gold-plated silver, silver and enamel.

The Order of Orange-Nassau was established by an Act of 4 April 1892 to reward “those Dutch nationals or foreigners who have rendered outstanding services to Us and the State or to society”. Upon its establishment, the Order comprised five classes: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight. The Order also included commemorative medals in gold, silver and bronze. The Order has a military division, in which the decorations are awarded with swords, and a civilian division. With the entry into force of the Kingdom Act of 15 April 1994, the honorary medals were abolished and a new rank of Member or Knight, 6th Class, was introduced. Since then, the Order of Orange-Nassau has been conferred in recognition of individuals who, through selfless social contribution, have dedicated themselves to society over many years.

The Order of Orange-Nassau is still awarded today and is listed in the decree on the order of precedence for honours, as laid down by the Minister of the Interior.