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The Order of the Netherlands Lion, also known as the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands (Dutch: De Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw, French: L'Ordre du Lion Néerlandais) is a Dutch order of chivalry founded by King William I of the Netherlands on 29 September 1815.
The Order of the Netherlands Lion was until recently awarded to eminent individuals from all walks of life, including generals, ministers of the crown, mayors of large towns, professors and leading scientists, industrialists, high-ranking civil servants, presiding judges and renowned artists. Since 1980 the Order has been primarily used to recognise merit in the arts, science, sport and literature; others are awarded the Order of Orange-Nassau. Appointment to the grade of Commander (see below) is very rare (Nobel Prizewinners; the conductor Bernard Haitink towards the end of his life, and the dancer and choreographer Hans van Manen, for example). The Order ranks after the Military William Order, which is only awarded for military merit. The second and third class of the Order are not awarded to foreigners; they are eligible for the Order of Orange-Nassau or the Order of the Crown instead.
The following classes and grades exist for the Order:
Knight Grand Cross – Reserved for members of the Royal Family, foreign Heads of State and a select group of former prime ministers, ministers, princes and cardinals. Wears the badge on a sash on the right shoulder, plus the star on the left chest.
Commander – Usually conferred upon Dutch Nobel Prize winners, a few distinguished artists, writers and politicians. Wears the badge on a necklet, plus an identical breast cross on the left chest.
Knight – Wears the badge on a ribbon on the left chest.
Brother – No longer issued; see section below. Wore the medal on a ribbon on the left chest.
The King (or Queen) of the Netherlands is the Grand Master of the Order. The Order is issued in three classes. There was also a Medal for "Brothers" which has not been conferred since 1960. The Brothers became extinct and the grade was abolished in 1994.
The badge of the Order is a gilt, white-enamelled Maltese Cross, with the monogram "W" (for King William I) between the arms of the cross. The obverse central disc is in blue enamel, bearing the motto Virtus Nobilitat (Virtue Ennobles). The reverse central disc is plain golden, with the lion from the Netherlands coat-of-arms. The badge hangs from a royal crown. As with all honours awarded by the Netherlands, the insignia comprises a decoration, a miniature and optionally a breast star. The decoration and breast stars are only worn at formal occasions or while in state office. While wearing a smoking, one is nowadays allowed to wear the miniature but habits and fashions are changing. Decorations are not worn on any other type of clothing
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