Hungarian Order of Saint Stephen


The Hungarian Order of Saint Stephen is the highest state honour bestowed by the President of Hungary. The order is made up of one grade and is awarded in recognition of the most special merits, outstanding life's work and significant international achievements in the service of Hungary. A maximum of 3 awards are permitted to be awarded to Hungarians per year.

History

The order's origins can be traced back to an order of chivalry founded in 1764 by Queen Maria Theresa which lasted upon the dissolution of Austria-Hungary in 1918. The order was subsequently revived in 1938 following a decree by Hungary's Regent Miklós Horthy, thereby renaming the order as the Royal Hungarian Order of Saint Stephen and acting as its Grand Master. Following the proclamation of the Second Hungarian Republic in 1946, the order was terminated. Finally, in 2011, the order was revived by Presidential decree as the Hungarian Order of Saint Stephen.

Insignia

The insignia included in the presentation box, from left-to-right & top-to-bottom, feature:
  1. Breast star
  2. Sash
  3. Ribbon bar
  4. Miniature
  5. Alternative medal
  6. Rosette