Order of The Crown (Netherlands)

The Order of the Crown (Dutch: Kroonorde) is a house order of the Dutch Royal House of Orange-Nassau. The order came into being as a result of Queen Juliana's reorganization of The House Order of Orange (Huisorde van Oranje) in 1969. The 18 classes of the House order were no longer felt to be appropriate in the ever more egalitarian Dutch society of the '60s. The Order was divided into five subdivisions. As a house order it is not subject to ministerial responsibility or influence, but is awarded at the discretion of the Dutch monarch alone.

The Order of the Crown is intended for "foreigners who have rendered special service to the Dutch King or his House". The present queen has instituted a silver medal to commemorate state visits.

The Order of the Crown has five grades and three medals. This allows the Dutch monarch to dispense the decorations according to rank especially during state visits.

Diana, Princess of Wales received the Grand-cross order of the Order of the Crown, whereas Charles, Prince of Wales had already had been given the Grand-Cross of the Order of Oranje-Nassau. Madame Hayrünnisa Gül, First Lady of Turkey is the most recent recipient of the Order.

1. Grand Cross (Grootkruis) - badge may be worn on a sash on the right shoulder, plus an 8-pointed star on the left chest;
2. Grand Honorary Cross with Star (Groot erekruis met Plaque) - wears the badge on a necklet, plus a 4-pointed star on the left chest;
3. Grand Honorary Cross (Groot erekruis) - wears the badge on a necklet;
4. Honorary Cross with Rosette (Erekruis met Rozette) - wears the badge on a ribbon with a rosette on the left chest;
5. Honorary Cross (Erekruis) - wears the badge on a ribbon on the left chest;
6. Medals in Gold, Silver and Bronze (Medaille in goud, zilver en brons) - wears the medal on a ribbon on the left chest.