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The Order of Isabella the Catholic (Spanish: Orden de Isabel la Católica) is a Spanish civil order granted in recognition of services that benefit the country. The Order is not exclusive to Spaniards, and many foreigners have been awarded it.
The Order was created on 14 March 1815 by King Ferdinand VII of Spain in honor of Queen Isabella I of Castile with the name of "Royal and American Order of Isabella the Catholic" with the intent of "rewarding the firm allegiance to Spain and the merits of Spanish citizens and foreigners in good standing with the Nation and especially in those exceptional services provided in pursuit of territories in America and overseas." The Order was reorganized by royal decree on 26 July 1847, as the modern "Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic" with a broader focus than the Americas.
Officials and grades
The King of Spain (currently Felipe VI) is Grand Master of the Order. The Chancellor of the Order is the Minister of Foreign Affairs. All deeds granting decorations of the Order must bear the signatures of both. Beneath these two officials of the Order, there are currently several grades:
First Class
Knight of the Collar (Caballeros del Collar) (limited to 25 people)
Knight Grand Cross (Caballeros Gran Cruz) (limited to 500 people)
Second Class
Commander by Number (Encomienda de Número) (limited to 800 people)
Commander (Encomienda)
Third Class
Officer's Cross (Cruz de Oficial)
Fourth Class
Knight's Cross (Cruz de Caballeros)
Fifth Class
Silver Cross (Cruz de Plata)
Sixth Class
Silver Medal (Medalla de Plata)
Bronze Medal (Medalla de Bronce)
Order Decoration
The decoration is a red-enameled cross, with a golden frame. The outer peaks are fitted with small gold balls. The center of the medallion contains the inscription "A La Lealtad Acrisolada" (To Proven Loyalty) and "Por Isabel la Católica" (For Isabella the Catholic) on white enamel. Above the cross is a green enameled laurel wreath with the band ring.
The ribbon is yellow with a white central stripe,[5] except the "Collar" for which the wearing of the collar can be replaced by a gold-yellow sash with white stripes on the edges.
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