Order of the Falcon


The Order of the Falcon is the only order of chivalry in Iceland, founded by [Christian X of Denmark|King Christian X of Denmark and Iceland] on 3 July 1921. The award is awarded for merit for Iceland and humanity and has five degrees. Nowadays, appointments are made on the nomination of the President of Iceland and that of a "five-member council."

History and appointments

Christian X, the King of Denmark, ruled Iceland until 17 June 1944. During his royal visit to Iceland in 1921, King Christian X issued the royal decree founding the Icelandic Order of the Falcon. When Iceland became a republic, new statutes were incorporated for the Order on 11 July 1944. The Republic of Iceland replaced the King by an elected President of Iceland who is the designated Grand Master of this Order. It may be awarded to both Icelanders and citizens of other countries for achievements in Iceland or internationally. A five-member council makes recommendations on awards to the Grand Master, who then grants the award. However, the Grand Master may award the Order without recommendations from the Order Council. The Grand Master and the Chairman of the Order Council then sign the Letters Patent, which are presented to the awards's recipients.

Classes

The Order has five classes:
  1. Collar with Grand Cross Breast Star, only for heads of state
  2. Grand Cross
  3. Grand Knight's Cross with Star
  4. Grand Knight's Cross
  5. '''Knight's Cross'''

Insignia

The collar is gilded metal; it consists of links bearing the Icelandic coat-of-arms and blue-enamelled discs bearing the white falcon.
The badge consists of a gilt cross, enamelled in white, with a blue-enamelled central disc bearing the white falcon.
The star is a silver, eight-pointed star. For the Grand Cross class it has the badge of the Order superimposed upon it. For the Grand Knight with Star class it has a blue-enamelled central disc bearing the white falcon.
The ribbon is blue with white-red-white border stripes. It is worn on the left shoulder.
In summary: Collar with Grand Cross Breast Star - wears the badge on a collar plus a star on the left chest;Grand Cross - wears the badge on a sash on the left shoulder, plus a star on the left chest;Grand Knight's Cross with Star - wears the badge on a necklet, plus a star on the left chest;Grand Knight's Cross - wears the badge on a necklet;Knight's Cross - wears the badge on a chest ribbon.
If a holder is promoted to a higher rank, the lower rank's insignia must be returned. The insignia are retained during the recipient's lifetime, but they must be returned to the Icelandic Government upon the recipient's death.

Notable recipients

Politicians and heads of state

Artists and entertainers

Scholars

Other