The Pontifical Order of Pius IX

An Order of Pian knights was founded by Pius IV in about 1560, but this fell into disuse and the present Order, was instituted by Pope Pius IX in 1847, and may be regarded as a new foundation.

The Pontifical Order of Pius IX is the most senior active Pontifical Order in use today. Its highest grades are reserved for Sovereigns and Heads of State, and in general terms its middle ranks to individuals such as senior diplomats accredited to the Holy See. Previous recipients include the late King Olav V of Norway and King Gustav VI Adolf of Sweden.

Living recipients of the higher ranks include HM King Juan Carlos I of Spain, HM Queen Margrethe II of Denmark (right), and HMEH Frà Andrew Bertie (left), Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. In Britain Lord Hunt of Tanworth is known to be the only living recipient of this award following the death in 2002 of Miles, Duke of Norfolk, who held the rank of Knight Grand Cross of the Order. Generally fewer than seventy awards are made annually world-wide.