The Order of the Dannebrog (Danish: Dannebrogordenen) is an Order of Denmark, instituted in 1671 by Christian V. It resulted from a move in 1660 to break the absolutism of the nobility. The Order was only to comprise 50 noble Knights in one class plus the Master of the Order, i.e. the Danish monarch, and his sons. In 1808, the Order was reformed and divided into four classes, with the ranks:
- Special class
- Grand Commander (Storkommandør) — wears the badge with diamonds on a necklet (gentlemen) or on a bow (ladies), plus the star on the left chest;
- First Order class
- Grand Cross (Storkors) — wears the badge on a collar or on a sash on the right shoulder, plus the star on the left chest;
- Second Order class
- Commander 1st Class (Kommandør af 1. grad) — wears the breast cross on the left chest, plus (for gentlemen) the badge on a neck ribbon;
- Commander (Kommandør) — wears the badge on a neck ribbon (gentlemen) or on a bow (ladies);
- Third Order class
- Knight 1st Class (Ridder af 1. grad) — wears the badge on a ribbon (gentlemen) or on a bow (ladies) with rosette on the left chest;
- Knight (Ridder) — wears the badge on a ribbon (gentlemen) or on a bow (ladies) on the left chest.
The Grand Cross can, as a special honor, be awarded "with diamonds". There is also a Cross of Honour (D.Ht.) (Dannebrogordens Hæderstegn).
The Grand Commander class is reserved to persons of princely origin. It is only awarded to Royals with close family ties with the Danish Royal House. The statute of the Order was amended in 1951 by a Royal Ordinance so that both men and women could be members of the Order.
Today, the Order of Dannebrog is a means of honouring and rewarding the faithful servants of the modern Danish state for meritorious civil or military service, for a particular contribution to the arts, sciences or business life or for those working for Danish interests.
Read more about Order Of The Dannebrog: Insignia, Recipients, Cross of Honour, Grand Commanders, Jewelers and Goldsmiths
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