Order of the Dragon King

Order of the Druk Gyalpo
Awarded by  Bhutan
Type	Order
Awarded for	distinguished services to Bhutanese nation or people
Status	Currently constituted
Sovereign	Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Grades (w/ post-nominals)	First Class Second Class
Established	7 November 2008
Precedence
Next (higher)	None
Next (lower)	Order of Great Victory of the Thunder Dragon
Ribbon bar of the order

The Order of the Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) is the highest decoration of the Kingdom of Bhutan, awarded in recognition of a lifetime of service to the people and Kingdom of Bhutan. Existing in two categories, it is the pinnacle of the honor system in Bhutan and takes precedence over all other orders, decorations and medals. Consisting of two Classes manufactured in sterling silver, the First Class comprises a Breast Star and Sash Badge while the Second Class has only a Sash and Badge.

History

It was founded on 7 November 2008 by the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to reward those who have devoted a lifetime of service to the nation and people of Bhutan.

Grades

The order has two grades :

• First class.
• Second class.

Insignia

General display

The general display of the order depends of the recipient's dress.

In national Bhutanese dress :

• First class : a badge from a large neck ribbon and a star from a medal ribbon on the left breast ^[1]
• Second class : a badge worn from a large neck ribbon

The Bhutanese emblem

In European dress or uniform :

• First class : badge hanging from a sash and a breast star (without ribbon) on the left breast
• Second class : badge hanging from a sash

Details

The 80mm star consists of a large ornate gold plated back plate with an enameled border centrepiece in orange enamel, and a red enameled center with the Royal Symbol in gold.

The 60mm detachable badge bears the same design as the breast star, with a top suspension device for attaching to the sash.

For the badge and star, see this photo

The ribbon is orange with large white and darker orange border stripes

Notable Recipients

• Her Majesty Queen Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden^[1] (Order of the Druk Gyalpo, First Class).^[2]
• His Holiness Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup (Order of the Druk Gyalpo, First Class).^[3]

References

• The Royal Ark, decorations of Bhutan

Orders, decorations, and medals of Bhutan
Orders	Order of the Dragon King (Druk Gyalpo) Order of Great Victory of the Thunder Dragon (Druk Wangyel) Royal Order of Bhutan (Druk Thuksey) Order of the Druk Khorlo National Order of Merit