Order of Saint Charles

The Order of Saint Charles (French: Ordre de Saint-Charles; Monégasque: U̍rdine de San Carlu) is a state and dynastic order of knighthood established in Monaco on 15 March 1858.

This order rewards service to the State or Prince. In particular cases, it may be granted to foreigners. It is awarded by the current Grand Master, Prince Albert II.

Except for Members of the Princely Family and foreigners, one can only receive the Order first with the rank of Knight. To be awarded the following higher ranks, one must keep the lower rank for a set length of time:

Nominations belong to the Grand Master. The Chancellor proposes promotions. According to the Prince's orders, the Chancellor proposes the projects of nomination and promotion ordonnances. The grantees must be received in the Order before wearing the decorations. The Grand-Master receives the Grand Crosses, Grand Officers and Commanders. The Chancellor receives the Officers and Knights. Foreigners are admitted to the Order, but not received.

The Knight Grand Cross wears the badge of the order on a sash and the star of the order on the left of the breast. There is a golden necklet that is attached to the Order. It has small empty egg-shaped sections that form the necklet. The badge is sometimes worn attached to this collar instead of the sash.

The Grand Officer wears a badge and a star. The Star of the Order of St. Charles is made of silver. The badge of the Order of St. Charles is worn on a chest ribbon with rosette or on a bow. The star is worn on the right side of the chest.

The Commander of the Order of St. Charles wears the badge on a ribbon around the neck or on a bow on the left shoulder.

The Officer of the Order of St. Charles wears the badge on a chest ribbon with a rosette. The cross has a thinner laurel-wreath than the Knight of the Order of St. Charles.