Hæderstegn (Cross of Honour of the Order of the Dannebrog) in modern times is only awarded to Danes on whom the Order of the Dannebrog has already been bestowed. It is also worn by members of the Danish royal family. Its badge is similar to the badge of the Order, but all in silver. It is worn on a ribbon (by gentlemen) or bow (by ladies), with rosette, on the left chest. Recipients Each Danish ministry has a quota of Knights and Knights 1st class that they may use at their discretion. It is most often given to high-ranking officers of the police, armed forces and emergency services. Also used for politicians in Folketinget after 8 years of elected service. Ministers are given the rank of Knight 1st Class. The rank of Commander is given to colonels, ministers and other high-ranking officials as a retirement-decoration after long service. Commander 1st class is given for admirals, generals, Supreme-court judges, ambassadors, and other governmental leaders as a retirement decoration. The Grand Cross is most often used for admirals, generals, Supreme-court judges, ambassadors and similar as a reward for very meritorious service to Denmark. Grand Cross with Breaststar with Diamonds is most often given to high-ranking officers of the Royal Court, such as Hofmarskals. Finally, the Grand Commander grade is given only to 8 people. The reigning monarch is always a Grand Commander, and he/she may give the grade to 7 others, most often close family. Diplomatic use Award of the Order of the Dannebrog is often used as a tool of diplomacy. If a foreign country has an Order that they give to foreign diplomats in their country, then their diplomats in Denmark can be given an Order of the Dannebrog. To be eligible, the foreign ambassador must reside in Denmark for at least three years. Grand Commanders Her Majesty Margrethe II, Queen of Denmark, Master of the Order (14 January 1972) His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden (10 October 1975) His Majesty Harald V, King of Norway (28 October 1991) Her Royal Highness Benedikte, Princess of Denmark (27 January 1993) His Royal Highness Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark (1 January 2004) His Royal Highness Joachim, Prince of Denmark (16 April 2004) With the deaths of Prince Henrik of Denmark in 2018, and King Constantine II of Greece in 2023, two Grand Commander positions are available. The number of Grand