Colonial order of chivalry

A colonial order of chivalry was an order of chivalry awarded by European colonial states in Africa and Asia for those who conquered and administered their territories. They were sometimes adopted by post-colonial successor states, or remained one of the former imperial power's orders of chivalry. The orders of the states of the Commonwealth are not colonial orders, and owe their existence to their nations' personal union with the United Kingdom or to their own governments or parliaments.

Belgium

• Order of the African Star (1888)
• Royal Order of the Lion (1891)
• Order of the Crown (1897)
• Order of Leopold II (1900)

France

• Royal Order of Cambodia (1864)
• Order of the Star of Anjouan (1874)
• Order of the Dragon of Annam (1886)
• Order of Nichan El-Anouar (1887)
• Order of the Black Star (1889)

Italy

• Colonial Order of the Star of Italy (1914)

Portugal

• Order of the Empire (1932)

Netherlands

The Netherlands had no colonial orders, even though governors-general of the Dutch East Indies often called for such orders to be created. There were numerous other awards for service in the Dutch East Indies, the most notable being the establishment of the Cross for Courage and Fidelity and the Star for Loyalty and Merit.

Spain

• Order of Africa (1933)

United Kingdom

• Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (1818) Originally for Malta and the Ionian islands, later Empire-wide
• Most Exalted Order of the Star of India (1861)
• Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire (1877)
• Imperial Order of the Crown of India (1878) Female only
• Order of Burma (1940)