Dynastic Order of Knighthood

Dynastic Order Of Knighthood

An order of knighthood which belongs to a reigning monarch or the head of a former royal family is generally called a dynastic order or a house order. These orders are frequently seen as part of the patrimony of the Royal Family involved. Unlike military, religious, and merit orders supported by existing sovereign states, dynastic orders were created to reward service to a monarch or his family. An example of this difference is seen between the Royal Victorian Order, which is a personal gift of the sovereign (and thus is a dynastic order), and the Order of the British Empire, which is bestowed by the sovereign on the basis of recommendations by the Prime Minister (and thus is a national order).