Iin 1891, after death of King William III, Luxembourg became an independent state. The Order of the Oakcrown and the House Order of the Golden Lion of Nassau could no longer be used as orders for the Kingdom of The Netherlands. This led to the institution of the Order of Orange-Nassau in 1892.

Orders can be awarded to civilians, diplomats and miltary. Military recieve the order with crossed swords. Degrees are: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, Knight and Honorably medal (gold, silver and bronze). In 1996 the latter was replaced by the degree of Member.

After bearers death orders have to be returned to the State, which explains that some degrees are very rare.

On the left you see the Honorably Medals for civilians (from left to right: gold, silver, bronze)