The Order of the Golden Spur, officially known also as the Order of the Golden Militia, is a papal order of knighthood conferred upon those who have rendered distinguished service in propagating the Catholic faith, or who have contributed to the glory of the Church, either by feat of arms, by writings, or by other illustrious acts. With the death in 2019 of the last remaining knight, Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg, the order is considered dormant.
Livery collar of the Order of Saint Sylvester and the Golden Militia prior to 1905.
Medal of the Order of Saint Sylvester and the Golden Militia, 1841.
A Papal Knight of the Golden Spur, copper engraving by Jacob Andreas Fridrich, 1756
Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg
Jean was the Grand Duke of Luxembourg from 1964 until his abdication in 2000. He was the first Grand Duke of Luxembourg of French agnatic descent.
Jean during a September 1967 state visit to the Netherlands
Jean's parents, Charlotte and Felix, in 1919.
German troops cross the border to Luxembourg on 10 May 1940.
Prince Jean, together with his father Prince Félix at the liberation of Luxembourg City in 1944.