Order of Elizabeth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Imperial Austrian Order of Elizabeth |
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3rd Class of the Order
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| Type | Order of chivalry for women |
| Established | 17 September 1898 1898 - 1918 (National Order) 1918 - present (Dynastic Order) 17 November (Feast day) |
| Royal house | House of Habsburg-Lorraine |
| Religious affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Awarded for | General welfare in Religious, Charitable or Philanthropic Merit |
| Status | Dormant since 1951 |
| Grades |
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| Statistics | |
| First induction | 1898: Countess Irma Sztáray de Sztára et Nagymihály |
| Last induction | 1951: Princess Regina of Saxe-Meiningen |
| Total inductees | 1121 |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Order of Leopold |
| Next (lower) | Order of Franz Joseph |
| Equivalent | Order of the Iron Crown |
 Ribbon of the Order |
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The Imperial Austrian Order of Elizabeth was a special award created in 1898. It was founded by Emperor Francis Joseph of Austria-Hungary. This unique award was made specifically for women. It was named after Saint Elisabeth of Hungary. However, it also honored Emperor Francis Joseph's wife, Empress Elisabeth, who had passed away. The order recognized women for their good deeds. This included religious work and charity.
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What Was the Order of Elizabeth?
The Order of Elizabeth was meant for ladies. It didn't matter what their social status was. It also didn't matter what religion they followed. The main goal was to recognize their good work. This included helping others and doing charitable acts.
Different Levels of the Award
The award had several levels, or "degrees." These were:
- The Grand Cross
- The First Degree
- The Second Degree
- The Elizabeth Medal for merit
The emperor himself gave out these awards. When a woman received a higher degree, she had to return her old badge. Also, when a member passed away, her award badges were returned to the state.
How Many Awards Were Given?
Between 1898 and 1918, many awards were given.
- 81 Grand Cross awards
- 332 First Degree awards
- 500 Second Degree awards
- 208 Elizabeth Medals for merit
The order was stopped in 1918. This happened when the Austro-Hungarian monarchy ended.
Who Received the Order?
Many important women received this special award. They came from Austria and other countries.
Austrian Recipients
- Archduchess Gisela of Austria
- Princess Isabella of Croÿ
- Archduchess Maria Annunciata of Austria
- Maria Christina of Austria
- Archduchess Marie Valerie of Austria
- Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg
- Irma Sztáray
Foreign Recipients
- Alexandra of Denmark
- Augusta Viktoria, German Empress
- Duchess Cecilie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
- Charlotte of Schaumburg-Lippe
- Emma of Waldeck and Pyrmont
- Princess Irene of Hesse and by Rhine
- Duchess Marie of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
- Marie, Queen of Romania
- Mary of Teck
- Milena of Montenegro
- Stephanie of Belgium
- Princess Thyra of Denmark
- Victoria of Baden
- Victoria Eugenie, Queen of Spain
- Anne Weightman
- Wilhelmina of the Netherlands
See also
In Spanish: Orden de Isabel para niños
