Koninklijk

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Koninklijk or Koninklijke (pronounced [ˈkoː.nɪŋk.lə.kə], English: Royal, literally "kingly") is an honorary title given to certain companies and non-profit organizations in Belgium and the Netherlands, by the monarchs of each country. It was first introduced by Louis Bonaparte in 1807, then King of the Netherlands, who awarded the title to cultural associations. Companies awarded with the title may opt to use the English equivalent 'Royal' instead.

In the Netherlands

1919 advertisement of KLM (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij)

The Monarch has the right to appoint the royal title to a company or organisation.

To qualify for a nomination, the company or organization has to meet the following conditions:

  • it has to be leading in its field of expertise;
  • it has to have national importance;
  • it has to be in existence for at least 100 years (in principle).

As a rule, the Monarch will award only one Royal title per branch of business. Medical and financial corporations are excluded, as are organizations with political or religious goals.

In Belgium

The King of the Belgians can appoint the title to a company or association that has been in existence in Belgium for at least fifty years, although rare exceptions are made in case of great importance for society.

See also

External links

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