Illustrious Royal Order of Saint Ferdinand and of Merit
Illustrious Royal Order
of Saint Ferdinand
and of Merit
Historical Notes
It was established on April 1, 1800, by H.M. King Ferdinand IV, King of Naples and Sicily, to reward those who had rendered most important services and given extraordinary proof of loyalty to the Sovereign and the Royal Family.
On July 25, 1810, the King, by Royal Decree, reformed its Statutes.
The Order is divided into three Classes:
- Knights Grand Cross (limited to twenty-four) who wear the sash, the cross, and the star;
- Knights Commander, who wear the neck ribbon and the cross, and finally Knights, who wear the ribbon and the cross on the lapel.
- There are also recipients of gold and silver medals.
The decoration consists of a round gold shield with the image of Saint Ferdinand, bordered by a blue enamel circle with the words “FIDEI ET MERITO”, surrounded by six gold rays and six white enameled lilies, all surmounted by the Royal Crown.
On the reverse, in the center of the round shield, is the inscription “FERD. IV. INST: ANNO 1800”.
The ribbon is blue with dark red edges.
Grand Master
His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro
