Order of Leopold II (Rank of Officer)

Original Order of Leopold II (Rank of Officer). The Order of Leopold II (French: Ordre de Léopold II) is a Belgian civil order of chivalry, originally established in 1900 by King Leopold II in the Congo Free State, then his personal possession. The order’s motto, “L’Union fait la force” / “Eendracht maakt macht” (“Unity makes strength”), reflects the Belgian national ideal.

Initially awarded for services rendered to Congo and to the sovereign, the order was incorporated into the Belgian honors system after Congo became a Belgian colony in 1908. Following Congo’s independence, the Order of Leopold II remained part of the Belgian national system of honors. Today, it is one of Belgium’s three national orders, alongside the Order of the Crown and the Order of Leopold.

The Order of Leopold II is awarded to civilians and military personnel for distinguished service to the King and as a mark of his personal esteem.

Version Offered: Officer (Officier)

The Officer rank represents a higher class within the Order.

The insignia is worn on the left breast, suspended from a ribbon featuring a rosette, distinguishing it from the Knight class.

Distinctive Characteristics of the Officer Class:

• Cross of the Order in a superior class grade

• Suspended from the standard blue ribbon with central black stripe

• Ribbon fitted with a rosette, indicating Officer rank

• Worn as a breast decoration

A refined and historically significant decoration, ideal for collectors of Belgian orders and colonial-era honors.