Order of Louise
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The Order of Louise was founded on 3 August 1814 by Frederick William III of Prussia to honor his late wife, the much beloved Queen Louise. This order was chivalric in nature, but was intended strictly for women whose service to Prussia was worthy of such high national recognition. Its dame companion members were limited to 100 in number, and were intended to be drawn from all classes.
Insignia of the Order (1st Class)
Queen Louise of Prussia, for whom the Order of Louise was named. Portrait by Elizabeth Vigee-LeBrun, 1801
Badge of the Order of Louise, First Class
Badge of the Order of Louise, Second Class
Frederick William III of Prussia
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Frederick William III was King of Prussia from 16 November 1797 until his death in 1840. He was concurrently Elector of Brandenburg in the Holy Roman Empire until 6 August 1806, when the empire was dissolved.
Copy of a portrait by Franz Krüger, 1837
Frederick William and his mother (1775)
Lenient and slow to recognize the growing French threat, Frederick William's restrained entry into the war in 1806 ended in defeat and humiliation for Prussia.
Equestrian portrait of Frederick William III by Franz Krüger (1831)