Royal Victorian Order
The
Royal Victorian Order is a part of the
British honours system which was established by
Queen Victoria in
April 1896, and is usually awarded to personal servants of the Queen. Also, unlike most other British orders, it is within the personal gift of the Sovereign, rather than being awarded by the Sovereign upon the advice of the Prime Minister. The anniversary of the institution of the order is
June 20th, which is also the same day as Queen Victoria's accession to the throne.
The Chapel of the Order is The Queen's Chapel of the Savoy. A service of thanksgiving is held for the Order every four years in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Grades
It is divided into five grades (whose post-nominals are provided in parentheses):
- Knight/ Dame Grand Cross (GCVO)\n* Knight/ Dame Commander (KCVO/DCVO)\n* Commander (CVO)\n* Lieutenant (LVO)\n* Member (MVO)
There is also a related Royal Victorian Medal (RVM). There are no limits on the numbers of individuals to whom membership of the Order may be awarded.
Insignia
The insignia are:
- The Collar is a gold chain composed of four blue-enamelled octagons, each bearing a rose, alternating with four oblong rectangles, each bearing one of the inscriptions: "Victoria," "Brit. Reg." (Queen of Britain), "Def. Fid." (Defender of the Faith), and "Ind. Imp." (Empress of India). In the centre of the Collar is a gold medallion bearing the image of Queen Victoria. Only Knights and Dames Grand Cross are entitled to the collar, which they wear around the neck.\n* The Badge is a white, eight-pointed Maltese Cross, in the centre of which is a a crimson oval bearing the Cypher VRI. The oval is within a blue enamelled circle, surmounted by an Imperial Crown, and bearing the word Victoria in gold letters. Knights and Dames Grand Cross wear it worn suspended from the collar. Knights Commander and male Commanders, Lieutenants, and Members wear it on a ribbon worn around the neck, while Dames Commander and female Commanders, Lieutenants, and Members wear it on a bow placed on the left shoulder.\n* The Star is a silver chipped star of eight points with a representation of the Badge in the centre. Only Knights and Dames Grand Cross and Knights and Dames Commander are entitled to it.\n* The Mantle is a dark blue satin coat with red and white edges.
See also
Category:British honours system
