Order of Prince Henry: Grades, Honors, and Membership
The Order of Prince Henry is a prestigious honor characterized by a structured hierarchy of grades and specific symbolic insignia. Designed to recognize merit and service, the order follows a strict protocol regarding seniority and eligibility, ensuring that each distinction reflects the recipient's level of contribution or status.
Key Facts
- Grand Collar is the highest grade, reserved exclusively for heads of state.
- The order consists of six primary classes and two medal distinctions.
- Insignia feature a cross pattée (a cross with arms that narrow at the center and flare out at the ends) enameled in ruby.
- The President confers membership based on personal initiative, ministerial recommendation, or Council nomination.
The Hierarchy of Grades
The Order is organized into several classes, listed here in decreasing order of seniority. Each grade represents a different level of distinction within the honor system.
- Grand Collar (Grande-Colar – GColIH)
- Grand Cross (Grã-Cruz – GCIH)
- Grand Officer (Grande-Oficial – GOIH)
- Commander (Comendador – ComIH)
- Officer (Oficial – OIH)
- Knight/Dame (Cavaleiro – CvIH / Dama – DmIH)
In addition to these primary classes, the order recognizes achievement through the award of a Gold Medal (Medalha de Ouro – MedOIH) and a Silver Medal (Medalha de Prata – MedPIH).
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Insignia and Symbolism
The visual identity of the Order is defined by its specific colors and heraldic symbols. The ribbons and medals are distinguished by equal stripes of blue, white, and black, which may be arranged either horizontally or vertically.
At the center of the honor is a golden cross pattée finished with ruby enamel. For those holding the ranks of Grand Officer and Grand Cross, their stars include the specific inscription "Talant de bien faire".
| Grade/Award | Abbreviation | Eligibility/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Collar | GColIH | Heads of State only |
| Grand Cross | GCIH | Includes "Talant de bien faire" inscription |
| Grand Officer | GOIH | Includes "Talant de bien faire" inscription |
| Commander | ComIH | Standard grade |
| Officer | OIH | Standard grade |
| Knight/Dame | CvIH / DmIH | Entry grade |
| Gold Medal | MedOIH | Medal distinction |
| Silver Medal | MedPIH | Medal distinction |
Membership and Appointment
Membership in the Order is not automatic; it is conferred by the President. There are three primary pathways through which an individual may be appointed to the Order:
- Directly through the President's own initiative.
- Upon the recommendation of Ministers.
- Following a nomination by the Council of the Order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can receive the Grand Collar?
The Grand Collar is the most senior distinction and is reserved exclusively for heads of state.
What are the colors of the Order's ribbons?
The ribbons feature equal stripes of blue, white, and black, arranged either vertically or horizontally.
What does the inscription "Talant de bien faire" signify?
This inscription is specifically found on the stars awarded to those in the grades of Grand Officer and Grand Cross.
How is a person appointed to the Order?
Appointments are made by the President, who may act on his own initiative, follow a recommendation from Ministers, or accept a nomination from the Council of the Order.
What is a cross pattée?
A cross pattée is a type of Christian cross with arms that are narrow at the center and flare out toward the perimeter; in this Order, it is golden and enameled in ruby.