History

The Order of Prince Henry the Navigator (Ordem do Infante Dom Henrique) was established by the government of Portugal in 2 June 1960 to commemorate the five hundredth anniversary of the death of the Portuguese prince Henry the Navigator. Prince Henry is considered as the main initiator of the Age of Discovery and the maritime expansion of Portugal.

The Order is composed of six grades, i.e., Grand Collar, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Honorably Member. There is also a Silver Medal and a Gold Medal. The number of members in each grade is restricted; there are fifty Grand Crosses, one hundred Grand Officer, three hundred Commanders, four hundred Officers, and unlimited Knights. The titles are attributed by special decree by the Grand Master of the Order, the President of Portugal.

It is conferred upon nationals or foreigners who have displayed outstanding services to Portugal as well as who have contributed to the development and dissemination of Portuguese culture, history, and values, with a particular focus on its maritime history.

Minor reforms of the constitution of the Order occurred in 1962 and 1980. Membership to the Order is conferred by the President, either on his own initiative, upon the recommendation of his Ministers or following nomination by the Council of the Order.

In order of precedence, it ranks after the Military Order of St. James of the Sword and before the Order of the Liberty; it is a five-tier order.

The motto stands "Talant de bien faire", and it is translated to "Talent to do well".

The Knight is worn by men on a ribbon with a clasp and by women on a bow.