The Royal Norwegian Order of Saint Olav – Main Page

The Royal Norwegian Order of Saint Olav is Norway’s 3rd highest honor. The Order was founded by King Oscar I in 1847. It is conferred as “a reward for distinguished services rendered to Norway and mankind”. The Norwegian monarch Grand Master of the Order.

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Grades:

There are 5 grade of the Order of Saint Olav:¹

• Grand Cross (Storkors)
  • With Collar
  • Without Collar
• Commander with Star or Grand Officer (Kommandør med stjerne)
• Commander (Kommandør)
• Knight 1st Class or Officer (Ridder av 1. klasse)
• Knight (Ridder)

(There are no post-nominal letters.)

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Given for:

The honor is given for “a reward for distinguished services rendered to Norway and mankind”.

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Given to:

With the exception of foreign royalty and heads of state, the Order of St. Olav is only bestowed on Norwegian nationals.

• Norwegian Nationals
  • Given the varying grades based on Merit
• Members of the Norway Royal Family
  • Given Grand Cross
• Foreign Heads of State
  • Given Grand Cross, except for Nordic Heads of state, which are usually given Grand Cross with Collar.
• Foreign Royals
  • Given Grand Cross, except for Monarchs, who are usually given Grand Cross with Collar.

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Insignia:

When a class of the Order of St. Olav is conferred for military service, this is indicated on the insignia by two blue-enamelled swords, crossed and positioned under the king’s crown on the cross.

The Insignia is returned to the Monarch after the holders death. 

Grand Cross Sash & Badge

Commander Neck Badge

Officer Badge 

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1. The Norwegian names are in (italics).
   For some titles, we have listed two English translations. Both are commonly used in English. The first is the literal translation, translating the words. The second is a idiomatic translation, translating the idea that more closely matches what other national honors system do.   ↩︎

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