Page:The Book of Orders of Knighthood and Decorations of Honour of All Nations.djvu/752

Rh "Furchtlos und trew' (Intrepid and true). The reverse shows a similar border, with the royal crown of gold upon white ground in the centre. Above the cross is the royal crown connected by golden wings. (Plate 99, Tab. II. No. 6).

The badge is worn by a crimson red ribbon, three inches wide, across the right shoulder, towards the left hip, accompanied by an octagonal silver star, which the Knights of the Grand Cross wear upon the left breast: the middle of the Star contains the obverse of the cross with the royal crown on a white-enamelled ground (Plate 98, Tab. I. No. 1).

The Commanders and Knights wear the cross suspended by a narrower ribbon, the former, round the neck, and the latter, at the button-hole.

The gold and silver medals are worn at the button-hole, suspended by the same ribbon.

Civilians receive with the Order personal nobility, and access to Court, but nothing more.

The right of nominating Knights is vested solely in the crown, even to the exclusion of the Regency, during the minority of the King.

The sons of the King receive the Grand Cross on the completion of their seventh year, and the princes of the blood royal, at fourteen. 'The King is, however, empowered to make exceptions to the rule.

The nomination is free from all sorts of fees and charges. Neither festivals, oaths nor vows are customary in the Order.

The Chapter only meets by special convocation of the sovereign.

The Chapter now consists under the presidency of the Chancellor of the Order, of:

Two Knights of the Grand Cross,