Member of the Royal Victorian Order

The Royal Victorian Order is given by the Queen to people who have served her or the Monarchy in a personal manner. These include officials of the Royal Household, family members or British Ambassadors. The photographs are from an Officer of the Queen's Gurkha Signal Regimet who acted as the Queen's equerry.

The Order was founded in April 1886 by Queen Victoria as a way of rewarding personal service to her. The Order did not require ministerial approval but on the Queen's own personal gift.

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 Cyper 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-enammelled cross, Lieutenants a one and hone half inch badge with a white enammelled cross and Members a one and one half inch badge with a frosted silver cross which is shown in the photograph.

There have never been any limits as to how many appointments can be made. The Order is also conferred to members of foreign countries.