The Royal Norwegian Order of Merit (or Den Kongelige Norske Fortjenstorden in Norwegian) was established by King Olav V in 1985.
This prestigious order is awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional service in the interests of Norway, including foreigners, Norwegian citizens residing abroad, diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign civil servants in Norway, and Norway’s honorary consuls. Unlike the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav, which is typically awarded to Norwegian citizens living in Norway, the Order of Merit recognizes contributions from those outside the country or those serving Norway in an international capacity.
Nominations for the Order are processed through the Protocol Department of the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The King grants the Order based on recommendations from the Lord Chamberlain of the Court, the Chief Protocol Officer of the Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Head of Chancery of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav.
The Order of Merit Grades
The order has five grades:
- Grand Cross Commander, subdivided into:
- Commander with Star
- Commander
- Knight, subdivided into:
- Knight 1st Class
- Knight
The Order of Merit Design
The Order features a distinctive deep blue moiré ribbon. The Grand Cross is worn on a broad sash draped over the right shoulder.
The Commander’s Cross is suspended from a ribbon worn around the neck. The Knight’s Cross is displayed on the left breast, also attached to a ribbon.
For women, both the Commander’s Cross and the Knight’s Cross are worn on the left breast, with the ribbon fashioned into a bow. Unlike the Order of St. Olav, the insignia of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit is owned by the recipient.
