History

The Royal Order of George I was established by King Constantine I on January 16, 1915, to honour the memory of his father, King George I. It was suppressed when the Second Hellenic Republic was established in 1924, but it was later reinstated when the Greek monarchy was restored in 1935. It was permanently suppressed when the Greek monarchy was abolished in 1973 and was replaced by the Order of Honour in 1975.

It was conferred in two divisions upon Officers and state officials for distinguished service to the Greek nation. The Military Division, added in 1921, features decorations with crossed swords.

Along with the establishment of the Order in 1915, King Constantine I also created a Commemorative Cross of the Royal Order of George I that could be conferred upon Non-Commissioned Officers, enlisted men, civil servants, and other Greek citizens. It was awarded in two grades until 1926 when a third grade was introduced. A Military Division for all three grades was also introduced at this time.

The Bronze Commemorative Cross has an obverse inscription that translates to “The people’s love is my strength.” The reverse inscription features the year that the Order was established and the years of King George’s reign.

There are multiple versions that differ in manufacturer, composition, and size. There may be additional versions that do not have a reverse inscription.