- Time Period: Pre World War I
- Institution: 1771
- Country: Spain
The Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III (or Real y Distinguida Orden Española de Carlos III) was established by the King of Spain Carlos III by means of the Royal Decree of 19 September 1771, with the motto Virtuti et mérito.
Its objective is to reward people for their actions in benefit to Spain and the Crown. Since its creation, it has been the most distinguished civil award that can be granted in Spain, despite its categorization as a military order.
The orders of creation demanded two requirements: to be “worthy and affectionate of His Highness“. Two classes were created: the “Great Crosses” and the “Pensioners”, the monarch being discretionary with his authorization. In 1783 the classes were expanded to three with that of “Supernumerary Knights”, whose level of importance was between the previous two.
Those received by the Order took an oath for loyalty towards the king, his family, and the protection of the goods of the Royal House, recognizing him as Great Master, live and die in faith catholic, accepting as indisputable the Mystery of the Immaculate Conception, and attending and receiving communion at mass at least once a year.
The Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III is reserved for those who, having completed relevant service to Spain, having been Presidents of the Congress of Deputies, the Senate, the Constitutional Court of the Supreme Judicial Council, the Supreme Court, Ministers or other senior officials of the state. The maximum number of Grand Crosses are limited to one hundred, not counting those accorded to Ministers.
Knights Collar and Knights Grand Cross of the Order are entitled to be addressed with the style The Most Excellent in front of their name. Other members are entitled to the style of The Most Illustrious.
The Royal and Distinguished Order of Charles III Design
The orders are currently conferred in the following grades:
- Collar (Collar) – restricted to 25 Spanish citizens (not including members of Spain’s royal family).
- Grand Cross (Gran Cruz) – restricted to 100 Spanish citizens (limit excludes government ministers).
- Commander by Number (Encomienda de Número) – restricted to 200 Spanish citizens (limit excludes government ministers).
- Commander, optional Dame’s Bow (Encomienda, Lazo de Dama opcional).
- Cross (Cruz).
There are no restrictions on the number of foreigners that may be appointed to any of the grades.
