Order of the Dannebrog
| Order of the Dannebrog Dannebrogordenen | |
|---|---|
Order of the Dannebrog, Breast Star of the Grand Cross, unofficial model | |
| Awarded by Sovereign of Denmark | |
| Type | Chivalric order with six grades, one grade augmentation, and one related decoration |
| Established | 12 October 1671 |
| Country | Kingdom of Denmark |
| Ribbon | White with red edges |
| Motto | Gud og Kongen (Danish for 'God and the King') |
| Criteria | Meritorious civil or military service, for a particular contribution to the arts, sciences or business life, or for those working for Danish interests |
| Status | Currently constituted |
| Founder | Christian V |
| Grand Master | Frederik X |
| Grades | Grand Commander (S.Kmd.) Grand Cross (S.K.) Commander 1st Class (K.1) Commander (K.) Knight 1st Class (R.1) Knight (R.) |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Order of the Elephant |
| Next (lower) | Medal of Merit |
| Related | Decoration of the Cross of Honour of the Dannebrog |
Grand Commander
Knight Ribbon bars of the Order | |
The Order of the Dannebrog (Danish: Dannebrogordenen) is a Danish order of chivalry instituted in 1671 by Christian V, inspired by the legend that the Dannebrog flag fell from the sky in 1219. The Order's ribbon reflects the flag's colors, white and red, and the badge takes the form of the Dannebrog cross, as used in the royal coat of arms since the 17th century.
Until 1808, membership in the Order was limited to fifty members of noble or royal rank, who formed a single class known as White Knights to distinguish them from the Blue Knights who were members of the Order of the Elephant. In 1808, the Order was reformed and divided into four classes.
Today, the Order of the Dannebrog is a means of honouring and rewarding the faithful servants of the modern Danish state for meritorious civil or military service, for a particular contribution to the arts, sciences or business life, or for working for Danish interests. Women have been eligible for the Order since 1951. The reigning monarch serves as Grand Master, and appointments are typically made on ministerial recommendation.