Order (honour) - Modern Ranks

Modern Ranks

Following the example set by the French Legion of Honour, most multi-level European orders comprise five ranks or classes. The highest is usually called the Grand Cross, then descending with varying titles. Typical rankings are

• Grand Cross (or Commander Grand Cross, Grand Cordon, Grand Collar etc.)
• Grand Officer (or Commander 1st Class, Grand Commander, Knight Commander, Knight Companion etc.)
• Commander (or Commander 2nd Class, Companion etc.)
• Officer (or Knight 1st Class, Member 1st Class etc.)
• Knight (or Knight 2nd Class, Chevalier, Member etc.)

Each of these ranks wear insignia, usually badge (often enamelled) on a ribbon. Typically these insignia are worn from a sash in the case of the senior ranks, around the neck (also see neck orders) for the middle ranks and on the left chest for the lower grades. Some orders use insignia in the form of a cross, but there can also be medals or stars, military awards may have crossed swords added onto the insignias. Ladies may wear the badge on a bow on the left chest. In orders following the example set by the French Legion of Honour, the two highest classes also wear a star (or 'plaque') on the chest. In special cases the senior class may wear the badge on a collar, which is an elaborate chain around the neck.