L’Ordre de l’Honneur Mérité

Honour conferred for service rendered.

L’Ordre de l’Honneur Mérité was founded by the Baron Hamelin as an internal order of merit of the Noble Baronial House of Hamelin.

The Order exists to recognize sustained service, demonstrated loyalty, and conduct consistent with the ethos and obligations of the House.

The Baron, as Head of the House, is Fount of Honour of the Order.

He alone possesses the authority to found, govern, confer, promote, suspend, or revoke membership in the Order, in accordance with its Code and Statutes.

The Order is not honorary in name alone, but merit-based in practice.

Appointment to the Order reflects service rendered over time, fidelity demonstrated in conduct, and commitment to the continuity and dignity of the House.

The Order is governed by restraint. It is conferred sparingly and without solicitation.

The Order is constituted in the following grades, listed from highest to lowest:

1. Grand-Croix avec Collier de l’Ordre
2. Grand-Croix de l’Ordre
3. Commandeur de l’Ordre
4. Officier de l’Ordre
5. Chevalier de l’Ordre

(Each grade carries specific insignia, precedence, and style, as defined in the Code of the Order.)

The insignia of the Order includes badges, stars, ribands, collars, and lapel devices, each regulated by grade and governed by strict rules of wear and precedence.

Full specifications are defined in the Code of the Order and preserved in the archives of the House.

Admission to the Order occurs by Letters Patent issued under the Baronial Seal and through formal investiture, conducted in accordance with established ceremonial practice.

Members swear an oath binding them to loyalty, discretion, and honourable conduct.

Membership in the Order confers precedence within House ceremonies and obliges the bearer to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the distinction.

The Baron retains full disciplinary authority over the Order.

Honour is not claimed. It is first earned, and then conferred.