The Order of the Sword

The insignia of the order is worn on a collar or on a yellow ribbon with blue edges.

The cross is a white-enamelled golden cross with a dark blue medallion bearing the three crowns of the order and an upright sword, crowned with a closed crown. Between the arms of the cross are open crowns.

The collar consists of alternating blue-enamelled antique helmets on pelte shields and swords with scabbards.

For the two highest classes of the order, a star is also worn on the left side of the chest (from the wearer’s perspective). The star is an eight-pointed silver cross, at the centre of which is a dark blue medallion bearing three crowns and an upright sword.

The classes are:

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

The order includes the Cross of the Sword (like Knight, but no white enamel on the arms of the cross) instituted in 1850 along with the Medal of the Sword in gold and silver.

As a special award, which can only be conferred when Sweden is at war, King Gustav III instituted a rank of distinction which was later divided into two classes:

• Knight Grand Cross, First Class
• Knight Grand Cross

In connection with the rewards reform 2018-2023, the War Cross of the Order of the Sword in gold, silver and bronze instituted in 1952 has been renamed the Military Cross of the Order of the Sword in gold, silver and bronze. This is awarded in recognition of personal bravery.

Return of Orders

All orders shall be returned to the Royal Orders of Knighthood on the demise of the recipient. The insignia, name and birth date of the recipient shall be returned via mail (with tracking) to Kungl. Maj:ts Orden.

Information on who the receipt shall be sent to should also be included. If you wish, the Royal Orders of Knighthood can include a picture of the insigna along with the receipt, free of charge.