Happy Birthday to Prince Hans Adam II of Liechtenstein, who turns 80 today! Unlike most other reigning and former Monarchies, the small Alpine Principality doesn’t have a large and illustrious Honours system, but to mark their Prince’s birthday, we are featuring the Order of Merit of the Principality of Liechtenstein!
Founded by Prince Franz I in honour of his wedding anniversary in 1937, the Order of Merit of the Principality of Liechtenstein is awarded for services rendered to the principality, in six grades;
- Grand Star of the Princely Liechtenstein Order of Merit
- Grand Cross With Diamonds of the Princely Liechtenstein Order of Merit
- Grand Cross of the Princely Liechtenstein Order of Merit
- Commander’s Cross with Star of the Princely Liechtenstein Order of Merit
- Commander’s Cross of the Princely Liechtenstein Order of Merit
- Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Principality of Liechtenstein.
The Sash is red, edged with blue stripes, and worn from the right shoulder to the left hip. The eight-pointed star features a cross with four arms enamelled in blue, with a blue enamelled medallion featuring a gold ‘L’, for Liechtenstein, and the FIL, for Franz I Liechtenstein, on the reverse, which is also the design of the badge.
While the members of the Princely Family wear the Sash and Star for Foreign Royal events, at home in the Principality, they usually wear the badge suspended from a miniature ribbon for the men and a bow for the ladies.
Recipients of the Order
Prince Hans Adam II of Liechtenstein
Princess Marie of Liechtenstein
Hereditary Prince Alois of Liechtenstein
Hereditary Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein
Prince Philipp of Liechtenstein
Princess Margaretha of Luxembourg and Liechtenstein
Prince Franz Joseph II of Liechtenstein
Princess Gina of Liechtenstein
Albrecht, Duke of Bavaria
