Page "Monarchy of Spain" Paragraph 29

The king grants military and civil orders and awards of distinction, customarily on the advice of government.

The most distinguished order the king may award is the Order of Charles III to " citizens who, with their effort, initiative and work, have brought a distinguished and extraordinary service to the Nation ".

The Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand is Spain's highest military award for gallantry.

Other historic awards and distinctions include the Spanish Order of the Golden Fleece, the Order of Isabella the Catholic, the Order of Alfonso X, the Order of Marie Louise, the Order of Saint Raimundo de Penafort, the Order of Military Merit, the Order of Naval Merit, the Order of Aerial Merit, the Order of Civil Merit, the Order of Cultural Merit, the Order of Calatrava, the Order of the Knights of Santiago, the Order of Sant Jordi d ' Alfama, and the Order of Alcántara, among others.