Royal Victorian Order Medal

Royal Victorian Order 

The RVO is a British honour given by The Queen to people who have served her, or the Monarchy as a way of rewarding personal service to her. The Order was created in April 1896 by Queen Victoria. Today, people receive their award either privately from The Queen or another member of the Royal Family, or during an investiture.

Often, and on a State Visit, the Queen will invest people in the country visited before returning to the United Kingdom. The British Ambassador and others who have helped the Visit may be rewarded, as can foreigners, and it is often awarded by the Sovereign during official tours overseas. Many members of the Royal Family have been given the award, along with many other recipients, who include servants of The Queen, who have served the Monarchy for many years.

The motto is Victoria alluding to the society’s founder.

In order, the ranks are (representing different levels of service):

• Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GCVO)
• Knight or Dame Commander (KCVO) or (DCVO, for women)
• Commander (CVO)
• Lieutenant (LVO)
• Member (MVO)

Royal Victorian Medal 

The Royal Victorian Medal was set up at the same time as the order. It is for personal service to the Sovereign or the Royal Family, and as a mark of royal esteem. Although the Medal is related to the Royal Victorian Order, it differs in appearance and in the way it is worn. The Medal is given to civilians and non-commissioned military personnel, often to people who have worked for the Sovereign for a long time.