In 1841 William II of the Netherlands, as Grand Duke of Luxembourg, created the Order of the Oak Crown.

Before this revision the order consisted of five grades with additional honorary medals (gold, silver and bronze).

In 1996, the honorary medals were abolished and replaced by the Member Class of the Order of Orange-Nassau, which is reserved only for Dutch citizens.

The vast majority of awards are at the level of Member and are for voluntary service; the grade of Knight is awarded for outstanding personal achievement, the grade of Officer for contributions of national or international significance (e.g. distinguished professors; former ministers, but also very well-known disc jockeys or even a tattooist of very high reputation).

In addition to the two divisions, since 1996 the Order of Orange-Nassau has been issued in six classes: For the grades of Knight and Member, the badges are made of silver.

The badge of the order is a blue-enamelled, white enamel-bordered Maltese Cross, in gilt for the officers and above, in silver for knights and members.

The star of the order is a silver star with straight rays, in 8 points for Grand Cross and in 4 points for Grand Officer; the central disc has the King's arms in gold and blue enamel, surrounded by a white enamel ring bearing the Dutch national motto Je Maintiendrai.