Royal Order of Spain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Royal Order of Spain |
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Cross and sash of the order as depicted in the Vinkhuijzen Collection
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| Awarded by the King of Spain | |
| Type | State Order |
| Established | 20 October 1808 |
| Royal house | House of Bonaparte |
| Motto | Virtute et Fide |
| Awarded for | Bravery on the battlefield as well as for civilian accomplishments |
| Status | Obsolete |
| Founder | Joseph Bonaparte |
| Grades | Grand cross (grand cordon) Commander (commandeur) Knight (chevalier) |
 Ribbon of the order |
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The Royal Order of Spain was a special award created by Joseph Bonaparte, who was the King of Spain. It was like a club of knights, but it doesn't exist anymore. This order was first called Ordre royal d'Espagne.
Contents
History of the Royal Order
King Joseph I of Spain started the Royal Order of Spain on October 20, 1808. He called it the "royal and military order" at first. This award was given to people for being very brave in battles. It was also given for great achievements in civilian life.
The order had three main levels or classes:
- Grand Cross (also called grand cordon)
- Commander (or commandeur)
- Knight (or chevalier)
This special order did not last forever. Another king, Ferdinand VII of Spain, ended the Royal Order of Spain in 1814.
Who Were the Members?
Many people became members of the Royal Order of Spain. They were recognized for their bravery or important work. Here are some of the people who received these honors:
Grand Cross Members
These were the highest-ranking members:
- Miguel José de Azanza
- Baron Jean Baptiste Alexandre Strolz (joined February 15, 1811)
- General Antoine de Roten
Commander Members
These members held the next level of honor:
- Antoine Aymard
- Juan Antonio Llorente
- Guillaume Balestrier, a colonel in the Régiment Royal-Irlandais (Kingdom of Spain)
- Joseph Léopold Sigisbert Hugo
- François Joseph Marie Clary (1786–1841)
Knight Members
These individuals were recognized as knights of the order:
- Alexis-François Aulagnier
- Domingo de Cabarrús y Galabert (joined March 11, 1810)
- Leandro Fernández de Moratín
- Francisco de Goya
- Jean-Baptiste Auguste Marie Jamin (joined November 19, 1810)
- Louis-Joseph Hugo (joined October 25, 1809)
- François-Juste Hugo
- Luis Marcelino Pereira (joined October 27, 1809)
See also
In Spanish: Real Orden de España para niños
