Order of the Dannebrog (Denmark)

The Order of Dannebrog is one of Denmark’s two Orders. Unlike the Order of Elephant, this honor has multiple grades and is given to a wide range of people due to their service to Denmark. This is the honor most commonly given to citizens of Denmark.

Grand Master: (Always current Monarch)

King Frederik X of Denmark

Chancellor (ordenskansler):

Prince Henrik (1968-2009)
Prince Joachim (2009-Present)

Given For:

Given for “Meritorious civil or military service, for a particular contribution to the arts, sciences or business life, or for those working for Danish interests.”

Given To:

This honor is given to a wide group of people: Government officials, military, emergency services, judges, diplomatics etc. The various ranks are given often given when one achieves a certain rank or length of service.

The highest grade, Grand Commander, is given to Senior Denmark Royals or Foreign Monarchs related to the Denmark Monarch (I.e. Norway & Sweden).

Most members of the Denmark Royal Family are given the higher Order of Elephant. But, more extended members of the Denmark Royal Family may be given this honor in the Grand Cross rank.

Diplomats

The order can be given to foreign ambassadors to Denmark after they have resided in Denmark for three+ years. This honor is only given to Ambassadors if the foreign country has an equivalent honor given to Ambassadors.

Inclusion of women

The Order of the Dannebrog was originally only given to men. Queen Consorts were initially the only exception to this rule.

This honor was opened up to women in 1951 by King Frederik IX.

Grades

There are 4 classes of this honor, with 6 grades total. Below are the Grades in English/ Danish (Post Nominal Letters).

Special class
- Grand Commander/ Storkommandør (S.Kmd.)
  - Limited to current Monarch + 7 Royals
First Order class
- Grand Cross/ Storkors (S.K.)
Second Order class
- Commander 1st Class/ Kommandør af 1. grad (K.1)
- Commander/ Kommandør (K.)
Third Order class
- Knight 1st Class/ Ridder af 1. grad (R.1)
- Knight/Ridder (R.)

Insignia

There is slightly different insignia to mark each grade. The insignia must be returned upon the holder’s death. Insignia is often reused. Queen Mary wears the insignia that once belonged to her father-in-law, Prince Henrik.

Grand Commander – wears the badge with diamonds on a necklet (gentlemen) or on a bow (ladies), plus the star on the left chest;

Grand Cross – wears the badge on a collar or on a sash on the right shoulder, plus the star on the left chest;
Commander 1st Class – wears the breast cross on the left chest, plus (for gentlemen) the badge on a neck ribbon;
Commander – wears the badge on a neck ribbon (gentlemen) or on a bow (ladies);
Knight 1st Class – wears the badge on a ribbon (gentlemen) or on a bow (ladies) with rosette on the left chest;
Knight – wears the badge on a ribbon (gentlemen) or on a bow (ladies) on the left chest.

There is small Rosette (pin) of the Order, which is worn at more informal situations.