Happy Birthday to King Philippe of the Belgians, who turns 65 today! The two-centuries old Order of Leopold is the oldest and highest honour of the Kingdom of Belgium, which is now headed by King Philippe!
Established in 1832, the Order of Leopold is the highest Order in Belgium and was created by King Leopold I, soon after his appointment to the Belgian Throne.
The Order of Leopold is awarded in three divisions and 5 different grades – Grand Cordon, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight, with appropriate insignia corresponding to each grade.
The Sash of the Order is solid purple and worn from the right shoulder to the left hip, with the Badge attached to the hip.
The Badge features a white-enameled Maltese Cross atop a green enamel wreath of laurel and oak leaves, with central disc, in black enamel, featuring the Belgian lion in gold. On the reverse is the monogram of Leopold I, and both sides are ringed in red enamel with the motto ‘Unity Is Strength’ in gold, in both French and Dutch, topped with a crown.
The Star of the Order is an eight-pointed silver star, with the same central disc as the badge, featuring a gold lion, surrounded by the red ring and the order’s motto.
The Order of Leopold has been awarded to all the members of the Belgian Royal Family, and it is awarded to Sovereigns and Heads of State on State Visits abroad.
