The Order of the Netherlands Lion (Dutch: De Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw, French: L'Ordre du Lion Néerlandais) 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. It could therefore be considered the Dutch equivalent of the Order of the Bath. Since 1980 the Order has been primarily used to recognise merit in the arts, science, sport and literature; others have been awarded the Order of Orange Nassau instead.
The Order ranks after the coveted Military Order of William, which is only awarded for military merit. Every year on the Queen's official birthday, April 30, several appointments in the Order are made public. The second and third class of the Order are not awarded to foreigners; they are eligible for the Order of Orange Nassau or the Order of the Crown instead.
The Queen of the Netherlands is the Grand Master of the Order. The Order is issued in three classes. There was also a Medal for "brothers" which had not been conferred since 1960. The brothers became extinct and the grade was abolished in 1994.
Read more about Order Of The Netherlands Lion: Grades, Insignia, The Brothers
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