Orders of chivalry for women

Several of these kingdoms eventually established orders for the exclusive membership of women.

Tradition frequently called upon the reigning queen or empress, queen or empress consort to serve as the Grand Mistress of their respective all-female, royal or imperial orders.

In other cases, the king or emperor is the sole male member of the order, acting in his role as the sovereign or master of all orders established and conferred within his kingdom or empire.

A high number of female orders existed in Germany, Austria and Russia.

The following list of orders that were established for the sole or primary membership of women: Bavaria Prussia Saxony Württemberg