The Order of the Netherlands Lion

• Time Period: Pre-WW1
• Institution: 29 September 1815
• Country: Netherlands

The Order of the Netherlands Lion (also known as Order of the Lion of the Netherlands or De Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw in Dutch and L’Ordre du Lion Néerlandais in French) is a Dutch order of chivalry founded by King William I of the Netherlands on 29 September 1815.

The Order of the Netherlands Lion was until recently awarded upon eminent individuals from all walks of life, including generals, ministers of the crown, mayors of large towns, professors and leading scientists, industrialists, high-ranking civil servants, presiding judges and renowned artists. Since 1980 the Order has been primarily used to recognize merit in the arts, science, sport and literature.

The Order ranks after the Military William Order, which is only awarded for military merit. The King of the Netherlands is the Grand Master of the Order.

The following classes and grades exist for the Order:

1. Knight Grand Cross – Reserved for members of the Royal Family, foreign Heads of State and a select group of former prime ministers, princes and cardinals. Wears the badge on a sash on the right shoulder, plus the star on the left chest.
2. Commander – Usually conferred upon Dutch Nobel Prize winners, a few distinguished artists, writers and politicians. Wears the badge on a necklet, plus an identical breast cross on the left chest.
3. Knight – Wears the badge on a ribbon on the left chest.
4. Brother – No longer issued; see section below. Wore the medal on a ribbon on the left chest.

The Order of the Netherlands Lion Design

The badge of the Order is a gilt, white-enameled Maltese Cross, with the monogram “W” (for King William I) between the arms of the cross.

The obverse central disc is in blue enamel, bearing the motto Virtus Nobilitat (Virtue Ennobles). The reverse central disc is plain golden, with the lion from the Netherlands coat-of-arms. The badge hangs from a royal crown.

As with all honors awarded by the Netherlands, the insignia comprises a decoration, a miniature and optionally a breast star. The decoration and breast stars are only worn at formal occasions or while in state office. While wearing a smoking, it is allowed to wear the miniature. Decorations are not worn on any other type of clothing.

The badge of honour for Brothers was a silver medal, with the lion from the Netherlands coat of arms on the obverse, and the motto Virtus Nobilitat (English: Virtue Ennobles) on the reverse. The ribbon for Brothers was blue with a single orange central stripe.