42mm wide silver Maltese cross of multi-part construction with laterally-pierced loop and ring for ribbon suspension; the face with an oval central medallion imposed bearing the gilt cipher ‘VRI’ of Queen Victoria on a red enamel ground within a deep blue enamel ring with gilt arabesques above, inscribed ‘VICTORIA’ in gilt letters below, an Imperial crown in gilt and red enamel above; the reverse plain gilt and numbered 2L on original ribbon.
Royal Victorian Order, British order of knighthood instituted by Queen Victoria in 1896 to reward personal services rendered by the monarch. As it is a family order, the conferment of this Honor is solely at the discretion of the British sovereign.
Unlike other British orders, there is no limit on the number of members. During the brief reign of Edward VIII in 1936, the order’s statutes were amended to admit ladies. This was the f
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAirst British order to consist of more than three classes, which, listed in descending order, are Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCVO), Knight or Dame Commander (KCVO or DCVO, respectively), Commander (CVO), Lieutenant (LVO), and Member (MVO). Conferment of the two highest classes entails admission into knighthood if the candidate is not already a knight or dame and the right to the title of “Sir” or “Dame” as appropriate. (Knights and Dames Grand Cross may be granted the use of supporters with their arms.) Foreigners can be admitted as honorary members.
