Description
Royal Order of the Noble Dames of Queen Maria Louisa, Superb quality and condition, silver gilt with a gold chain, 55mm x 35mm on old silk bow ribbon,
The Royal Order of Noble Dames of Queen Maria Louisa (Real Orden de Damas Nobles de la Reina Maria Luisa) was founded by Carlos IV/Charles IV King of Spain on April 21, 1792. It was established at behest of his wife Queen Maria Louisa of Parma, who required a reward to recognise the services and talents of the Noble Ladies of the Spanish Court.
Initially, the Order was restricted to Noble Ladies who displayed extraordinary talents and distinguished services in the Spanish court; those recipients were personally chosen by the Queen. However, in 1815 the Order became an order that recognised Spanish women for meritorious civil service to Spain.
After Bourbon Restoration, the Order returned to the control of the Monarchy, but it remained awarding all Spanish women
The Order is awarded to women who displayed philanthropy and meritorious actions that encourage Spanish culture and the international understanding of Spain.
Notably the order has been limited since it began to only 30 recipients at a time.
As such since 1792, only 1194 Women have been made members, including various Royal Ladies from around the world, inducting most Princesses and Queens from around the world.
Noble Lady 288 was Queen Victoria, Lady 724 was Queen Alexandra (of Denmark), Wife of King Edward VII, Noble Lady 886 was Princess Beatrice (Queen Victoria’s Daughter, Prince Henry of Battenberg and mother of the 976th Dame, Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain.)
These days the order has been dormant for many years since the 1970s, but is still active, not initiating any new Dames.
