and without the silver rays of the star. The ribbon of the Order is white silk moiré with red borders, the national colours of Denmark. The Order originally had a distinctive habit worn by the knights (after 1808, by the Knights Grand Cross) on very solemn occasions. The habit consisted of a white doublet, white breeches, white stockings and white shoes, over which was worn a red mantle with a white lining and with the star of the order embroidered in silver on its left side. Over this red mantle was worn a short white shoulder cape with a standing collar embroidered in gold, upon which was worn the collar of the Order (the habit was always worn with the collar and never with the ribbon of the Order). The habit also had a black hat with a plume of white and red ostrich feathers. This habit was almost identical to that worn by the knights of the Order of the Elephant. Grades The Order is divided into six grades, which are grouped into four classes: Special class Grand Commander () — wears the badge with diamonds on a necklet (gentlemen) or on a bow (ladies), plus the star on the left chest; First Order class Grand Cross () — wears the badge on a collar or on a sash on the right shoulder, plus the star on the left chest; Second Order class Commander 1st Class () — wears the breast cross on the left chest, plus (for gentlemen) the badge on a neck ribbon; Commander () — wears the badge on a neck ribbon (gentlemen) or on a bow (ladies); Third Order class Knight 1st Class () — wears the badge on a ribbon (gentlemen) or on a bow (ladies) with rosette on the left chest; Knight () — wears the badge on a ribbon (gentlemen) or on a bow (ladies) on the left chest. The Grand Commander grade is reserved for persons of princely origin. It is awarded only to royalty with close family ties to the Danish Royal House. The Grand Cross grade can, as a special honor, be awarded 'with diamonds' (S.K.i diam., short for ). The Order also has a related decoration, known as the Cross of Honour (D.Ht., short for ). The insignia of the Order must be returned upon the death of the holder. Order of wear Cross of Honour The Dannebrogordenens