The Order of the House of Orange (Dutch: Huisorde van Oranje), sometimes referred to as the House Order of Orange, is a dynastic order of the House of Orange-Nassau, the royal family of the Netherlands similar to the Royal Victorian Order in the United Kingdom. The order was instituted by Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands on 19 March 1905 and is not subject to ministerial responsibility or influence, but is awarded at the discretion of the Dutch monarch alone. History 1905 – 1969 In 1905, Queen Wilhelmina felt the need for a House Order because the Order of the Oak Crown of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, used by her father and grandfather to reward Dutch subjects, was no longer available to her, as succession to the throne of Luxembourg was directed by the House treaty of the House of Nassau in a way comparable to the Salic Law within its constitution in 1890. The Order of the House of Orange had a very complex nomenclature, with 18 different classes and medals: Grand Cross Grand Officer Commander Officer Knight Knight 2nd. Class (since 1908) The Golden Medal for Art and Science (equal in rank to a Grand Officer and very rare) The Golden Medal for Initiative and Ingenuity (since 1917, equal in rank to a Grand Officer and very rare) The Silver Medal for Art and Science (equal in rank to an Officer and rare) The Silver Medal for Initiative and Ingenuity (since 1917, equal in rank to an Officer and rare) Dame of Honour Golden Cross of Merit Silver Cross of Merit Golden Medal of Honour Silver Medal of Honour Bronze Medal of Honour Medal for saving lives from deadly peril (since 1910) The Bronze Medal for Art and Science. (equal in rank to a knight and rare) The number does not indicate a rank within the Order. The Dame of Honour was neither inferior nor superior to another grade; however the highest rank was the Grand Cross. The insignia vary considerably amongst these awards; however, they all share the same orange ribbon, symbolizing the House of Orange. More than 3200 decorations were conferred between 1905 and 1969, mostly to Court Dignitaries, the Queen's household, and doctors and lawyers who could choose between sending a bill for their services or a decoration in the House Order. Reorganisation of the order in 1969 By court decree on 30 November 1969,