Order of Saint Louis

Order of Saint Louis
Ordre de Saint-Louis
Knight's cross of the Order of Saint-Louis (Regency period 1715 - 1723)
Awarded by the Kingdom of France King of France
TypeDynastic order
Established5 April 1693
Royal houseHouse of France
Religious affiliationRoman Catholicism
RibbonBright red
EligibilityMilitary officers of Catholic faith with over 10 years of service, including non-nobles
Awarded forExceptional merit
StatusAbolished by the July Revolution in 1830
Recognised as dynastic order of chivalry by the ICOC
FounderLouis XIV of France
Precedence
Next (higher)Order of Saint Michael
EquivalentOrder of Military Merit
Awarded to non-Catholics

Ribbon of the order

The Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis (French: Ordre Royal et Militaire de Saint-Louis) is a dynastic order of chivalry founded 5 April 1693[1][2] by King Louis XIV, named after Saint Louis (King Louis IX of France). It was intended as a reward for exceptional officers, notable as the first decoration that could be granted to non-nobles. By the authorities of the French Republic, it is considered a predecessor of the Legion of Honour, with which it shares the red ribbon (though the Legion of Honour is awarded to military personnel and civilians alike).

Although officially abolished by the government authorities of the July Revolution in 1830 following the French Revolution, its activities carried on as a dynastic order of the formerly sovereign royal family. As such, it is still recognised by the International Commission on Orders of Chivalry.[3]

  1. ^ Hamilton, Walter. "Dated Book-plates (Ex Libris) with a Treatise on Their Origin", P37. Published 1895. A.C. Black.
  2. ^ Edmunds, Martha. "Piety and Politics", P274. Published 2002. University of Delaware Press. ISBN 0-87413-693-8
  3. ^ Icoregister (PDF)