HM The King´s Medal of Merit

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The Kings Medal of Merit in Gold and Silver or Kongens Fortjenstmedalje i gull og sølv was established by King Haakon VII of Norway on 1 February 1908. It is awarded for services in the fields of the arts, science and business and for distinguished public service.

The obverse bears the portrait of the reigning King with his name and motto. The reverse bears a laurel wreath containing the engraved name of the recipient and the circumscription: "Kongens fortjenstmedalje" ("HM The King's Medal of Merit").

The medal is awarded in two grades: Gold and Silver. The silver is awarded for a lengthy period of especially meritorious service in public office or voluntary organizations or other socially beneficial activities, also for a distinguished personal contribution in private or public service, where the person concerned has made an active contribution at or outside the place of work, in general for not less than 40 years. It may also be awarded to a member of the community whose life's work can be an example to others.

The gold is awarded in exceptional cases in recognition of a life's work of national significance, as well as for pioneer endeavours in one or several areas of benefit to the nation, also in recognition of enduring work in the field of the arts, culture and science, and for social and humanitarian work of value to the community and of national significance, as well as for conspicuous merit in contributing in one or several areas of notable public significance, or for having contributed to progress of benefit to the community.

The medal is worn on the left side of the breast on a ribbon in the same colours as the Norwegian Royal Standard, red with a yellow stripe in the centre.