[1] It is awarded to people with high merit by the Grand-Master, currently Albert II, Prince of Monaco.

According to the statutes, and except for Members of the Princely Family and foreigners, one can only receive the Order first with the rank of Knight.

[2] Members of the Order who are wearing their decorations are entitled to receive military honours from the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince.

Between each set of arms of the cross is the monogram of the order's founder Rainier III, in gold.

On the reverse of the badge the medallion bears the lozengy arms of Monaco and the House of Grimaldi.