Order of Saint Louis
The Royal and Military Order of Saint Louis (French: Ordre Royal et Militaire de Saint-Louis) is a dynastic order of chivalry founded 5 April 1693 by King Louis XIV, named after Saint Louis (King Louis IX of France). It was intended as a reward for exceptional officers, notable as the first decoration that could be granted to non-nobles. By the authorities of the French Republic, it is considered a predecessor of the Legion of Honour, with which it shares the red ribbon (though the Legion of Honour is awarded to military personnel and civilians alike).
| Order of Saint Louis Ordre de Saint-Louis | |
|---|---|
Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Louis | |
| Awarded by the King of France | |
| Type | Dynastic order |
| Established | 5 April 1693 |
| Royal house | House of France |
| Religious affiliation | Roman Catholicism |
| Ribbon | Bright red |
| Eligibility | Military officers of Catholic faith with over 10 years of service, including non-nobles |
| Awarded for | Exceptional merit |
| Status | Abolished by the July Revolution in 1830 Recognised as dynastic order of chivalry by the ICOC |
| Founder | Louis XIV of France |
| Precedence | |
| Next (higher) | Order of Saint Michael |
| Equivalent | Order of Military Merit Awarded to non-Catholics |
Ribbon of the order | |
Although officially abolished by the government authorities of the July Revolution in 1830 following the French Revolution, its activities carried on as a dynastic order of the formerly sovereign royal family. As such, it is still recognised by the International Commission on Orders of Chivalry.