Orders of Westarctica
The Orders of Westarctica are a series of awards (also called "honors") created to recognize exceptional achievements related to the nation of Westarctica, reward dedication and service to the Crown or government, and strengthen bonds of friendship between Westarctica and its foreign allies. The Orders of Westarctica are the means for the Grand Duke to convey knighthoods upon citizens and foreign dignitaries. Westarctica's sovereign is the font of honor and the only person authorized to bestow knighthoods, however, His Royal Highness has permitted several regional awards to be created and bestowed by authorized members of the Hereditary Nobility on a case-by-case basis.
Current orders of chivalry
The current system is made up of six orders of chivalry and four orders of merit. With the exception of the Order of the Snowflake, the 02 April 2005 Royal Decree Revising the Orders of Westarctica establishes the protocol of each order such as the size of the order, the use of post-nominal letters and insignia design and display.
| Complete name | Ranks | Regalia | Established | Awarded to/for/by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Order of the Snowflake | Knight/Dame Grand Cross Knight/Dame Commander Knight/Dame |
60px | 27 January 2015 | Services to Westarctica, exceptional achievement related to Westarctica's national goals, friendship of foreign allies |
| Noble Order of Westarctica | Knight | 60px | 1 August 2004 | Recognizing exceptional leadership in royals and nobles |
| Holy Order of The Cross | Grand Knight/Dame Commander Knight/Dame Commander Knight/Dame |
60px | 2 April 2005 | Exceptional Christian achievement |
| Noble Order of the Sword | Knight/Dame Commander Knight/Dame |
60px | 2 April 2005 | Military achievement |
| Order of Merit | Knight/Dame | 60px | 2 April 2005 | Achievements in the arts & sciences, or actions not covered by other Orders |
