Order of the Crown (Netherlands)

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For other versions of this award, see "Order of the Crown"

The Order of the Crown (Kroonorde) is a house order of the Dutch Royal House of Orange-Nassau. The order came into being as a result of Queen Juliana's reorganization of The House Order of Orange (Huisorde van Oranje) in 1969. The 18 classes of the House order were no longer felt to be appropriate in the ever more egalitarian Dutch society of the '60s. The Order was divided into five subdivisions. As a house order it is not subject to ministerial responsibility or influence, but is awarded at the discretion of the Dutch monarch alone.

The Order of the Crown is intended for "foreigners who have rendered special service to the Dutch King or his House" (Article 13 of the statute) The present queen has instituted a silver medal to commemorate state visits.

The Order of the Crown has five grades and three medals. This allows the Dutch monarch to dispense the decorations according to rank during state visits.

1. Grand Cross

2. Large Cross and plaque

3. Large Cross

4. Cross of honour with rosette

5. Cross of honour

6. Medals in Gold, Silver and Bronze.