The Order of the Polar Star

The insignia of the order is the decoration worn on a collar or a black ribbon (with the black representing the darkness of ignorance that the (Polar) star seeks to pierce). Conferrals between 1975 and 2022 on foreigners and stateless individuals had a pale, medium-blue ribbon with yellow edges.

The decoration is a white-enamelled golden cross with a dark blue medallion bearing the motto of the order, ‘Nescit occasum’ (It knows no decline), crowned with a closed crown. Between the arms of the cross are open crowns.

The collar consists of alternating crowned dark blue monograms and white Polar Stars. The collar can be conferred upon foreign citizens as a special mark of honour.

For the two highest classes of the order, the star is also worn on the left side of the chest. The star is an eight-pointed silver cross, at the centre of which is a silver Polar Star.

The classes are:

• Commander Grand Cross
• Commander, First Class
• Commander
• Knight, First Class
• Knight

The order includes the Cross of the Polar Star instituted in 2023 and the Medal of the Polar Star in gold and silver instituted in 1986.

The Medal of the Polar Star can be conferred with a special clasp for valour, for the staff of civilian government agencies serving in armed conflict.

Return of Orders

All orders shall be returned to the Royal Orders of Knighthood upon the death of the recipient. The order decoration, name and date of birth of the recipient shall be sent by registered post to Kungl. Maj:ts Orden.

The details of the person to whom acknowledgement of receipt of a returned order is to be sent must also be included. If desired, the Royal Orders of Knighthood can also send a picture, free of charge, of the returned order decoration along with the acknowledgement of receipt.