The Order of Leopold II

• Time Period: Pre World War I
• Institution: 24 August 1900
• Country: Belgium

The Order of Leopold II is an order of Belgium established on 24 August 1900 and named in honor of King Leopold II. It’s awarded for meritorious service to the sovereign of Belgium, and as a token of his personal goodwill to both Belgians and foreigners, as well as a diplomatic gift of merit.

The order (awarded by royal decree) has become a long service order for people in the civil service and is awarded alternatively with the Order of the Crown, as the Order of Leopold is awarded under rarer circumstances.

The Order of Leopold II is issued in five classes and three medals (gold, silver and bronze):

• Grand Cross.
• Grand Officer.
• Commander.
• Officer.
• Knight.

The Order of Leopold II Design

The badge is a silver or gold metal Maltese Cross with a wreath of laurel leaves between the arms of the cross. The obverse bears a lion on a black enamel background surrounded by a blue enamel ring with the motto “Unity Is Strength” in French and Dutch. The badge is topped by a crown.

The medal shows the shape of the Order badge imprinted in a metal shape that is vaguely octagonal and looks like a closed florian cross.

The ribbon is blue with a central black stripe, but there have been variations for special circumstances such as crossed swords added when awarded in wartime and a vertical gold border on both sides for a special act of valor.