Wikipedia

Order of the White Double Cross

The Order of the White Double Cross (Slovak: Rad Bieleho dvojkríža) is the highest state decoration of the Slovak Republic.

Order of the White Double Cross
Rád Bieleho dvojkríža
Badge with sash and breast star of the First Class
Awarded by President of Slovakia
TypeOrder
Eligibilityforeign persons
Awarded forServices to Slovakia
StatusCurrently constituted
SovereignH.E. Peter Pellegrini
GradesGrand Cross
Grand Officer
Commander
Statistics
First inductionH.Em. Jozef Tomko (1994)
Last inductionH.E. Katerina Sakellaropoulou (6 September 2022)
Total inductees186 (total)
49 (1st Class)
92 (2nd Class)
45 (3rd Class)
Precedence
Next (higher)None (highest)
Next (lower)Andrej Hlinka Order

Ribbon bar of the 1st Class

Ribbon bar of the 2nd Class

Ribbon bar of the 3rd Class

The Order was instituted on 1 March 1994 after Slovakia became independent on 1 January 1993. It continues the Czechoslovak Order of the White Lion, which was created in 1922 as an award for foreigners.

The Order of the White Double Cross is conferred only upon foreign citizens, with the sole exception of the current President of Slovakia, who is awarded the Order by the National Council for the duration of their term of office upon inauguration.

According to the Order's statute, it is awarded:

  • "for the comprehensive development of relations between the state, whose citizens they are and the Slovak Republic";
  • "for the empowerment of the Slovak Republic’s position in international relations";
  • "for meeting the foreign policy priorities of Slovakia";
  • "for otherwise outstanding achievement in the benefit of the Slovak Republic"; or
  • "for the outstanding spread of good reputation of Slovakia abroad."

Classes

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The Order of the White Double Cross has two divisions, civil and military, and three classes:

  • First Class or Grand Cross – badge may be worn on a sash on the right shoulder, plus the star is worn on the left chest;
  • Second Class or Grand Officer – badge may be worn on a necklet and the star is worn on the left chest;
  • Third Class or Commander – badge may be worn on a necklet.
  •  
    First Class (badge with sash and breast star)
  •  
    Second Class (badge with necklet and breast star)
  •  
    Third Class (badge with necklet)

Insignia

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The star is an eight-pointed gold breast star, with golden straight rays between the points of the star. The central disc on the star has a white double cross on a red enamel background, which is surrounded by a gold wreath of laurel and oak leaves.

The badge of the Order is of the same design as the star, although smaller. Furthermore, the upper point is missing and the badge is suspended on a stylized leaf of a common lime tree, with or without the crossed swords of the Military Division.

The ribbon of the order is blue with a red central stripe.

Recipients

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