Each contained a portrait of the sovereign, usually in uniform (if male), or evening dress (if female). The ribbon of each Royal Family Order changes with each monarch: Edward VII's was variegated of red, blue, and white (similar to the colors of the Royal Victorian Order) and George VI's was rose pink. The badge of the order consists of a portrait of the Sovereign set in diamonds, which is suspended from a ribbon. The Queen's other Ladies-in-Waiting wear their own distinctive badge: a jewelled letter 'E' within an oval frame, worn on a pink silk ribbon. Those who have served as Mistress of the Robes to the present Queen have received a badge of office which is distinct from the Royal Family Order but designed along similar lines: a jewelled royal cypher worn on a yellow ribbon it is worn on State occasions and at other events, as appropriate. No other Royal Family Order has depicted both the sovereign and the sovereign's consort. The order consisted of a cameo portrait of Victoria and Albert, and was suspended from a white ribbon. She created her Royal Order of Victoria and Albert in 1862, which then served as her Royal Family Order. When Victoria came to the throne there was no Royal Family Order until after her marriage. As a young woman, Princess Victoria of Kent (later Queen Victoria) received this badge from her uncle.Īfter George IV, each succeeding sovereign, except William IV and Edward VIII, has issued his or her own Royal Family Order.Ī slight variation in the practice of the Royal Family Order came with the reign of Queen Victoria.
The badge was suspended from a white silk bow which varied for men and women. His order was rather ornate in appearance, and the frame that surrounded his portrait was of diamond oak leaves and acorns. Prior to 1820, he started the practice of presenting the order to ladies and gentlemen of the Court, particularly female members of the Royal family. The first Royal Family Order was issued during and after the regency of George IV. The insignia of ladies of the third class of the Order of Victoria and Albert.