Colonial orders of knighthood

Colonial orders were orders of knighthood awarded by European imperial states in Africa and Asia for those who conquered and administered their territories. They were sometimes adopted by post-colonial Successor States, or remained one of the former imperial power's orders of knighthood. The orders of the states of the Commonwealth are not colonial orders, and owe their existence to their nations' personal union with the United Kingdom or to their own governments or parliaments.

Belgium

There were three Belgian colonial orders:

  • The Order of Leopold II
  • The Royal Order of the Lion
  • The Order of the African Star

France

  • Royal Order of Cambodia (founded 1864)
  • Order of the Star of Anjouan (1874)
  • Order of the Dragon of Annam (1886)
  • Order of Nichan El-Anouar (1887)
  • Order of the Black Star (1889)

Italy

  • Colonial Order of the Star of Italy

Portugal

  • Order of the Empire (1932)

Netherlands

The Netherlands had no colonial orders, mainly since all governors-general of the Dutch East Indies often called for such orders to be created. There were numerous other awards for service in India. Notable was the establishment of the Military William Order and the Cross for Courage and Fidelity.

Spain

  • Order of Africa (1933)

United Kingdom

  • "Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George" (founded for Malta and the Ionian islands in 1818)
  • "Most Exalted Order of the Star of India" (founded in 1861)
  • "Most Eminent Order of The INDIAN Empire" (founded in 1877)
  • "Imperial Order of the Crown of India"

nl:Koloniale Ridderorde