Order of the Dragon King (Druk Gyalpo)
Awarded by Bhutan
Type	Order
Awarded for	distinguished services to Bhutanese nation or people
Status	Currently constituted
Sovereign	Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Grades	First Class Second Class
Precedence
Next (higher)	None
Next (lower)	Order of Great Victory of the Thunder Dragon
Ribbon bar of the order

The Order of the Dragon King (Druk Gyalpo) is the highest decoration of the Kingdom of Bhutan, awarded in recognition of a lifetime of service to the people and Kingdom of Bhutan. Existing in two categories, it is the pinnacle of the honor system in Bhutan and takes precedence over all other orders, decorations and medals. Consisting of two Classes manufactured in sterling silver, the First Class comprises a Breast Star and Sash Badge while the Second Class has only a Sash and Badge.

History

It was founded on 7 November 2008 by the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to reward those who have devoted a lifetime of service to the nation and people of Bhutan.

Grades

The order has two grades :

First class.
Second class.

Insignia

General display

The general display of the order depends on the recipient's dress.

In national Bhutanese dress :

First class : a badge from a large neck ribbon and a star from a medal ribbon on the left breast ^[1]
Second class : a badge worn from a large neck ribbon

In European dress or uniform :

First class : badge hanging from a sash and a breast star (without ribbon) on the left breast
Second class : badge hanging from a sash

Details

The 80mm star consists of a large ornate gold plated back plate with an enameled border centrepiece in orange enamel, and a red enameled center with the Royal Symbol in gold.

The 60mm detachable badge bears the same design as the breast star, with a top suspension device for attaching to the sash.

The ribbon is orange with large white and darker orange border stripes.

Notable recipients

Queen Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden^[1] (Order of the Druk Gyalpo, First Class).
Je Thrizur Tenzin Dendup (Order of the Druk Gyalpo, First Class).
Je Khenpo Trulku Ngawang Jigme Choedra (Order of the Druk Gyalpo, First Class).^[2]
Narendra Modi - Prime Minister of India (Order of the Druk Gyalpo, First Class).^[3]^[4]

References

^ ^a ^b bhutan2008.bt, Photo of recipients
^ www.kuenselonline.com
^ "Bhutan gives highest civilian award to PM Modi". India Today. 17 December 2021.
^ "PM Narendra Modi honoured with Bhutan's highest civilian award". Hindustan Times. 17 December 2021.

v t e Orders, decorations, and medals of Bhutan
Orders	Order of the Dragon King (Druk Gyalpo) Order of Great Victory of the Thunder Dragon (Druk Wangyel) Royal Order of Bhutan (Druk Thuksey) Order of the Wheel of the Thunder Dragon (Druk Khorlo) National Order of Merit Order of the Beloved Son of the Dragon (Druk Jong Thuksey)