Royal Victorian Order
Established by Queen Victoria on April 21, 1896, the Royal Victorian Order rewards extraordinary, important or personal services performed for the Sovereign or the Royal Family. The Order may be conferred by The Queen of Canada to recognize services rendered to the Sovereign or to members of the Royal Family during Royal visits to Canada. Names of Canadian recipients are published in the Canada Gazette.
The insignia of the Order consists of a Maltese cross of eight points, in the centre of which is an oval of crimson enamel with the Royal Cypher – VRI (Victoria Regina Imperatrix) – superimposed one letter on the other in gold. Encircling the Royal Cypher is a blue enamel riband with the motto VICTORIA in gold. The Imperial State Crown sits atop the riband.
Commanders receive a two-inch badge with a white-enamelled cross, Lieutenants a one-and-one-half-inch badge with a white-enamelled cross, and Members a one-and-one-half-inch badge with a frosted silver cross.
For more information on the Order visit the official website.
Royal Victorian Medal
Queen Victoria established the Royal Victorian Medal in April 1896 as a reward for personal service to the Sovereign or the Royal Family, and as a mark of royal esteem. The Medal is conferred upon civilians and non-commissioned military personnel. Although the Medal is related to the Royal Victorian Order, it differs in appearance and in the way it is worn.
Recipients are permitted to use the post-nominal R.V.M. Names of the recipients are published in the The Canada Gazette
The Medal is awarded in silver gilt (gold), silver and bronze:
- on the obverse appears the effigy of the reigning Sovereign and an inscription of the current legend, and
- on the reverse is the Royal Cipher upon an ornamental shield within a laurel wreath
- a recipient of the Bronze Medal may wear both the Bronze and a subsequent Silver or Gold Medal if it is awarded; Bars may be awarded to each class of Medal for further services, and the Medals may be worn in addition to the insignia of the Royal Victorian Order if the latter is subsequently conferred; in most circumstances, the Silver Medal is awarded
