Order of Prince Henry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Order of Prince HenryOrdem do Infante Dom Henrique |
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Sash and badge of the Grand Cross of the order
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| Awarded by the Portuguese Republic | |
| Type | Order |
| Established | 1960 |
| Motto | Talant de bien faire |
| Eligibility | Portuguese and foreigners; military and civilian |
| Criteria | exceptional and outstanding merit for Portugal and its culture |
| Grand Master | President of Portugal |
| Chancellor | Manuela Ferreira Leite |
| Grades |
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| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Order of Saint James of the Sword |
| Next (lower) | Order of Liberty |
 Ribbon of the Order of Prince Henry |
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The Order of Prince Henry (which in Portuguese is Ordem do Infante Dom Henrique) is a special award from Portugal. It was created on June 2, 1960. This award honors Prince Henry the Navigator, a very important Portuguese prince. He helped start the Age of Discovery, a time when European explorers sailed to many new places. The Order was created to celebrate 500 years since his death.
This award has five main levels. People receive these awards for doing great things for Portugal. This includes helping to spread Portuguese culture, its history, and its values. The Order especially recognizes achievements related to Portugal's history on the sea. Only a certain number of people can be members at each level. The President of Portugal, who is the leader of the Order, officially gives out these awards.
Contents
Levels of the Order
The Order of Prince Henry has different levels, from the highest to the lowest. These levels show how important the award is.
Grand Collar (Grande-Colar – GColIH)
Grand Cross (Grã-Cruz – GCIH)
Grand Officer (Grande-Oficial – GOIH)- [[File:PRT Order of Prince Henry - Commander (Comendador – ComIH)
Officer (Oficial – OIH)
Knight/Dame (Cavaleiro – CvIH / Dama – DmIH)
There are also two special medals: a Silver Medal (Medalha de Prata – MedPIH) and a Gold Medal (Medalha de Ouro – MedOIH).
Who Gets the Grand Collar?
The highest award, the Grand Collar, is usually given only to leaders of countries. This means it is a very special honor for heads of state.
What Do the Awards Look Like?
The ribbons and medals of the Order have blue, white, and black stripes. These stripes can be either up-and-down or side-to-side. The main part of the medal is a golden cross with ruby-red enamel. The stars for the Grand Officer and Grand Cross levels have a special message written on them: "Talant de bien faire." This means "Talent for doing good."
How Are Awards Given?
The President of Portugal decides who receives an award. Sometimes the President chooses people directly. Other times, the President's ministers or the Order's special council suggest people for the award.
More Information
- List of recipients of the Grand Collar of the Order of Prince Henry
- List of recipients of the Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry
See also
In Spanish: Orden del Infante Don Enrique para niños
