Royal family order

The tradition is practiced in the royal families of the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Thailand and Tonga.

It is similar to the family orders of other European monarchies, although the Swedish royal court refers to it as "The King's portrait".

There are different versions of the portrait of the King, where he is dressed in admiral's uniform or simply formal wear with either the Seraphim band or chain.

After the banishment of the adulterous Queen Caroline Mathilde on 17 January 1772, the Royal Danish Court needed a new decoration to replace the Order of Matilde.

King Christian VII of Denmark founded this order on 21 October 1774 as a new decoration that was solely meant for the Danish Royal Family.

Prior to 1820, he started the practice of presenting the badge of the order to ladies and gentlemen of the Court, particularly female members of the Royal Family.

An ornate frame of diamond oak leaves and acorns surrounded his portrait, suspended from a white silk bow which varied for men and women.