Koninklijk or Koninklijke (English: Royal) is an honorary title given to certain companies and non-profit organizations in Belgium and the Netherlands, by the King or Queen in the respective country. It was first introduced by Louis Bonaparte in 1807, the King of the Netherlands at that time, who awarded the title to cultural associations. Companies awarded with a 'Koninklijk' title may choose to use the English title 'Royal' instead.
Situation in the Netherlands
The Monarch has the right to appoint the royal title to a company or organization.
To qualify for a nomination, the company or organization has to meet the following conditions:
- it has to be leading in its field of expertise
- it has to have national importance
- it has to be in existence for at least 100 years (in principle).
As a rule, the queen will award only one Royal title per branch of business. Medical and financial corporations are excluded, as are organizations with political or religious goals.
Situation in Belgium
The King of the Belgians can appoint the title to a company or association that has been in existence in Belgium for at least fifty years, although rare exceptions are made in case of great importance for society.
External links
- The designation "Royal" - website of the Dutch Royal House
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