History

The Medal of Honour was established by Ordinance on February 5, 1894. It is conferred upon Monegasque civilians and military personnel in recognition of outstanding service and devotion to duty.

The I Class Medal is awarded for 30 years of civil service or 25 years of military service. It is normally awarded to recipients of the II Class Medal, but this may be ignored under exceptional circumstances.

There are four different versions of the I Class Medal that differ in engraving and inscription according to the reigning monarch of the period. The first version was awarded from 1894-1925 and features the portrait of Albert I, the second version was awarded from 1925-1952 and features the portrait of Louis II, the third version was awarded from 1952-2006 and features the portrait of Rainier III, and the fourth version has been awarded since 2006 and features the portrait of Albert II. All four versions feature a reverse inscription that translates to “Duty, Principality of Monaco," although the additional dated inscriptions vary.